U.S. Export Ban Could Block Apple from Selling iPhones in Certain Countries

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The U.S. is reportedly exploring a ban on the export of certain technology to other countries, including various categories important to Apple — like artificial intelligence, computer vision and natural language processing.

That’s according to a U.S. government document highlighted in a tweet by R. David Edelman, who currently runs MIT’s Project on Technology, the Economy and National Security (TENS). Edelman was formerly as a presidential Special Assistant on matters of digital economy and national security.

The document reveals that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security is requesting comments about monitoring and controlling the sale of certain technologies to nations outside of the U.S.

The Bureau is considering adding several types of emerging technologies to its Commerce Control List (CCL). That list, which covers a range of areas, determines whether certain items or technologies need to be handled in a specific way to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

Usual items that appear on the CCL include chemicals, toxins or nuclear materials, aerospace and propulsion systems, and various electronics and information technology categories. Essentially, things that could be of national security concern.

But the latest filing, highlighted by Edelman, reveals that the Bureau is looking into other various technologies that have yet to end up on that list — basically because they haven’t been analyzed for their potential national security “impacts.”

At this point, the Bureau is only seeking comment on various technology types. But there is a range of items in the list that could impact Apple, Google and other tech juggernauts.

That’s because various types of artificial intelligence technologies are on it — including neural network and deep learning technologies, computer vision, speech and audio processing, natural languages processing, AI cloud technologies, and AI chipsets.

For a more specific impact on Apple, just consider that Siri falls under the “natural language processing” and AI categories. Apple’s long-rumored self-driving car initiative would rely on computer vision systems — as does Face ID.

Hypothetically, restrictions on the export of AI and computer vision technologies could prevent Apple from selling iPhones in various markets (due to Siri and Face ID). Alternatively, the Cupertino tech giant could be forced to cut “sensitive” technologies from devices sold in those regions.

Of course, nothing is set in stone yet. The filing document is simply a request for comments, and since this proposal impacts Silicon Valley, it’s not a stretch to say that the majority of tech firms will offer their comments on the matter.

On the other hand, the Bureau of Industry and Security has chosen a strangely aggressive deadline for its comments — Dec. 19. That means commenters will only have one month during a busy holiday season before the government starts pressing the matter even further.

For those who are interested, public comments can be left via the Federal eRulemaking site. The proposal carries the identification number BIS 2018-0024.

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