Recent U.S. Republican Concerns Over Microsoft’s $1.5 Billion Investment in G42 AI Firm

Republican lawmakers in the U.S. are calling for an investigation into Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in artificial intelligence firm G42 due to concerns about the transfer of advanced technology and potential ties with China. Representatives Michael McCaul and John Moolenaar highlighted the deal as one of the most significant investments by a U.S. tech company in the Middle East in decades and raised questions about the lack of Congressional consultation and regulations.

The lawmakers expressed worries about the rapid advancement of a partnership involving the transfer of highly sensitive U.S. technology to a company based in Abu Dhabi, which could have connections to China. They pointed to recent talks between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping as raising suspicions about potential collaboration on AI between G42 and China.

In a letter to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, the lawmakers requested an assessment by the National Intelligence Council on any connections between G42 and China, as well as the risk of U.S. technology being transferred to China. Microsoft and G42 have not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

The investment deal, announced in April, involved Microsoft President Brad Smith joining G42’s board and the Abu Dhabi company utilizing Microsoft’s cloud services for its AI applications. As tensions between the U.S. and China for influence in the Gulf continue to escalate, the deal included an assurance agreement developed in consultation with the U.S. and UAE governments to ensure the security of AI technologies.

The investigation into this deal raises concerns about the potential implications for U.S. national security and the spread of sensitive technology to foreign entities. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.