Google, Microsoft could turn gatekeepers for advanced AI chips

The US has been ramping up efforts to prevent countries like China from gaining access to advanced AI technologies.

Earlier this month, Washington unveiled broad measures targeting China’s semiconductor industry, imposing strict controls on the export of chipmaking equipment and high-bandwidth memory chips crucial for AI development.

In response, China launched an investigation into Nvidia, citing alleged violations of the country’s anti-monopoly laws.

“The US government’s strategy of supporting Google and Microsoft as global AI gatekeepers gives these companies greater influence in international markets,” said Prabhu Ram, VP of Industry Research Group at Cybermedia Research. “By controlling who can access advanced AI chips, they can limit access for countries like China while making it easier for US allies.”

This approach could create a wider technological divide, where a country’s ability to develop cutting-edge AI depends largely on its political alignment with the US, Ram added.

“This strategy also poses challenges for non-US competitors, who may face heightened barriers to integrating advanced AI chips, including delays, compliance burdens, and increased costs,” said Manish Rawat, semiconductor analyst at TechInsights. “Such constraints could hinder innovation and competitiveness in regions outside US influence. This consolidation of control risks reinforcing US market dominance while potentially stifling global AI progress.”