Trump administration restricts H-1B visas, China explores antitrust investigation into Google, and DOD releases data strategy

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Worth Knowing

China Explores Antitrust Probe Into Google: China is considering launching an antitrust investigation into Google, Reuters reports. The probe, which Huawei first proposed last year, would reportedly make the case that Google used its Android operating system to stifle competition. Sources report the decision about whether or not to launch an investigation could be made this month. The news comes amid rising U.S.-China tensions, as well as a pending U.S. antitrust case against Google. On October 6, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law released a report saying Apple, Amazon, Google and Facebook have “exploited their power of the marketplace;” the committee’s majority staff recommends breaking up the companies.
Amsterdam and Helsinki Launch Algorithmic Registries: On September 28, Amsterdam and Helsinki unveiled registries to explain each city government’s algorithm use. Their introduction was part of the Next Generation Internet Policy Summit organized by the European Commission. Each registry entry includes the model’s training dataset, how the model is used and how it was assessed for bias. In addition, each includes a way for citizens to give feedback to the government on the algorithm. Helsinki City Data project manager Pasi Rautio said the registry is meant to increase public trust in AI.
Machine Learning Spotlight — Combating California Fires: Firefighters in California are relying on AI systems to help fight wildfires, The Wall Street Journal reports. AI systems assist with monitoring fires, evacuating threatened areas and deploying resources appropriately. One machine learning system predicts a fire’s spread by comparing current patterns — based on camera images, weather, topology and moisture levels — against historical patterns; another simulates the spread based on different future weather conditions. The Department of Defense’s Joint AI Center has also prioritized using AI to predict wildfire spread.
Government Updates

Trump Administration Restricts H-1B Visas: The Departments of Labor and Homeland Security announced changes to the H-1B visa that they estimate would exclude a third of current recipients. The modifications would narrow the list of qualifying occupations for the H-1B visa, tighten degree requirements and shorten the visa length for certain positions. In addition, changes enacted last Thursday significantly raise the salary level required for visa recipients. In June, the Trump administration temporarily suspended H-1B visa processing, but the ban was blocked on October 1. The latest revisions would allow longer-lasting changes to the visa program, but will be challenged in court. In September, the Trump administration published a rule change capping the length of student visas; experts say the rule could discourage foreign students from enrolling in U.S. colleges and universities.

DOD Releases New Data Strategy: On Thursday, the Department of Defense released a new data strategy to help the DOD become a “data-centric organization.” The document argues data should be treated as on par with weapon systems and outlines eight guiding principles for data efforts, including one focused on the importance of data for AI training. It says this data, alongside algorithmic models, will increasingly become the Pentagon’s “most valuable digital asset” and emphasizes the importance of increasing DOD-wide awareness of training datasets and algorithms, as well as protecting them from competitors.

Bill Tightening Export Controls for Key Technologies Introduced: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member McCaul introduced legislation strengthening export controls for critical technologies, including semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The bill requires the president to develop a strategy for collaborating with U.S. allies to develop unified export control policies. More specifically, these policies are meant to reduce the availability of certain technologies to arms-embargoed countries. At the same time, the legislation requires a working group to coordinate with allies to secure the global semiconductor supply chain. It also establishes a $2 billion fund to support joint R&D projects and capacity building in critical technologies with allies.

State Department Releases Guidance on Surveillance Technology: On September 30, the State Department published voluntary guidance for U.S. companies that export surveillance technology and want to ensure their products are not used to violate human rights. The roadmap is intended to provide practical advice for businesses in line with the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and it highlights due diligence steps and possible red flags when exporting surveillance technology. On October 5, the Commerce Department also amended export restrictions to expand circumstances in which a U.S. export’s potential to further human rights abuses abroad are considered, specifically mentioning human rights violations involving surveillance.

In Translation
CSET’s translations of significant foreign language documents on AI

Civilian Space Infrastructure Development Plan: National Medium- To Long-Term Civilian Space Infrastructure Development Plan. This document lays out the PRC government’s priorities for developing China’s civilian space infrastructure through 2025. It recommends that China reduce its reliance on foreign civilian satellite technology, but also advocates for continued use of international exchanges and technology transfer as ways to catch up to more technologically advanced countries in space infrastructure.

What We’re Reading

Report: Interim Report and Third Quarter Recommendations, National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (October 2020)

Report: Future of Defense Task Force Report 2020, House Armed Services Committee (September 2020)

Report: China Task Force Report, House Foreign Affairs Committee (September 2020)

Paper: The Global Semiconductor Value Chain: A Technology Primer for Policy Makers, Stiftung Neue Verantwortung (October 2020)

Report: Rightly Scaled, Carefully Open, Infinitely Agile: Reconfiguring To Win the Innovation Race in the Intelligence Community, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Strategic Technologies and Advanced Research (STAR) Subcommittee (October 2020)

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