Exclusive: Commerce extends Trump's AI exports program deadline
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The Commerce Department is extending the deadline to comment on how an ambitious AI exports program should work, according to an announcement seen first by Axios.
Why it matters: The program, which is meant to promote American technology abroad, is complex and some industry players have said there's a lack of clarity around the rollout.
- Companies approved under the program created by President Trump's executive order are set to be given government financial incentives and other benefits that could give them an edge in the global AI race.
State of play: Interested parties now have until Dec. 13 to submit comments, the Commerce Department's International Trade Administration will announce on Monday.
- The original deadline was Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving.
What they're saying: In a Nov. 7 filing to ITA, a host of industry organizations from the Chamber of Commerce to the Information Technology Industry Council asked for the 15-day extension.
- The groups said they "commend" ITA for launching the program, but said they needed time to continue engaging with stakeholders to provide "robust" responses.
- "Given the complexity and breadth of the topics covered in the RFI – including full-stack AI technology packages, consortia formation, foreign market engagement, national security considerations, and federal support mechanisms – additional time is necessary to develop thoughtful, comprehensive, and representative responses," the groups wrote.
What's next: ITA said it would use the feedback it gets to help shape the program and will continue "implementation with a public call for proposals from industry-led consortia to export full-stack AI technology packages."
