Concerns Over Foreign Influence in AI Development
WASHINGTON – A recent warning from the House Energy and Commerce Committee suggests that China and other foreign adversaries may be actively working to undermine U.S. data centers, which are crucial in the artificial intelligence race.
In a letter addressed to the Trump administration, committee members have urged closer examination of potential connections between China and certain anti-AI movements within the U.S., fearing that international interference could jeopardize American leadership in AI technology.
Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) highlighted the competitive nature of AI development, stating, “Our nation is in a race with China to innovate and lead the world.” He emphasized that foreign entities might be trying to sway decisions regarding U.S. data infrastructure, indicating the significance of the ongoing struggle.
Alongside Guthrie, Investigations Subcommittee Chairman John Joyce (R-Pa.) and Energy Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta (R-Ohio) referenced a study from the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) and Power the Future (PTF).
The BPI’s research reveals that “international actors are attempting to influence U.S. policy and public perception about artificial intelligence through state media, nonprofits, and underground financial networks.”
One highlighted case involves a web of nonprofit organizations funded by Neville Roy Singham, a U.S. expatriate residing in Shanghai. Singham has previously faced scrutiny for actions perceived as detrimental to U.S. interests, and Congressional Republicans have long been investigating his influence network.
According to BPI, Singham has directed around $278 million to six U.S. nonprofits between 2017 and 2023.
The Energy and Commerce Committee reached out to President Trump’s Science and Technology Advisory Council and the FBI, seeking information on foreign influence activities targeting U.S. AI development.
Guthrie argued that “Americans deserve to know who is behind disinformation campaigns aimed at impeding crucial infrastructure investments,” underscoring the fundamental role of data centers in modern computing. “Our adversaries in Beijing know this well,” he added.
Republican lawmakers brought attention to the AI Data Center Moratorium Act proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), which seeks to halt data center construction across the country.
Some officials in the Trump administration, including Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, have voiced concerns about foreign efforts to amplify anti-AI sentiments in the U.S. Burgum remarked, “Every site aiming to establish a data center faces a barrage of foreign propaganda trying to stop it.” He described these actions as another form of attack against American competitiveness.
Data centers are essential for the power needed to train and operate AI models. While there are critiques regarding their energy consumption and potential impact on electricity costs, many AI experts contend that without them, the U.S. risks falling behind in technological advancement.
Notably, support for data center projects seems to be waning. For instance, in 2023, 69% of Virginians were in favor of new data centers, but that number plummeted to 35% by April of this year.
Lawmakers believe the situation warrants federal investigation, demanding a response from the Trump administration by June 18 regarding steps taken to counter foreign influence against AI development in the country.
The letter concluded by emphasizing the importance of vigilance as the U.S. competes on the global technological stage, noting that falling behind could severely threaten both economic and national security.
