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cover of episode The Battle to Control the World’s Most Powerful Technology

The Battle to Control the World’s Most Powerful Technology

2024/9/4
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The Daily

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The American company NVIDIA's AI chips have become essential for artificial intelligence, placing them at the center of a technology war between the United States and China. The U.S. government's attempts to control the export of these chips to China have led to a cat-and-mouse game with NVIDIA, raising concerns about national security and economic implications.
  • NVIDIA's GPUs, initially designed for video games, became essential for AI development.
  • The U.S. government's entity list, used to restrict technology exports, has proven easy to circumvent.
  • China's test of a hypersonic missile, potentially powered by NVIDIA chips, heightened U.S. concerns.

Shownotes Transcript

The American company Nvidia has created one of the world’s most sought-after inventions: a computer chip that powers artificial intelligence.

Amid concerns that the technology could help China modernize its military, however, the United States has tried to control the export of the chips.

Ana Swanson, who covers trade and international economics for The New York Times, discusses her investigation into the escalating war over the technology.

Guest: Ana Swanson), who covers trade and international economics for The New York Times.

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For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily). Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.