On Monday, the US government revealed that it would further restrict artificial intelligence chip and technology exports. As reported by Reuters, the goal behind these restrictions is to help the US advance its computing power and AI technology, while finding more ways to block China’s access. Under the new regulations, the number of AI chips exported to most countries will be capped, allowing unlimited access to U.S. AI technology for America’s closest allies. Meanwhile, a block shall be maintained on exports to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
“The U.S. leads AI now – both AI development and AI chip design, and it’s critical that we keep it that way”.
-Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said.
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These regulations are seemingly the last efforts by the Biden administration to maintain US leadership in AI and close any loopholes in controlling the flow of AI chips. The new administration, set to take office on January 20, shares similar views on the competitive threat from China. However, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to make significant changes to the Biden administration’s stance on artificial intelligence.
“We will repeal Joe Biden’s dangerous Executive Order that hinders AI innovation, and imposes radical leftwing ideas on the development of this technology. In its place, Republicans support AI development rooted in free speech and human flourishing”.
-A manifesto from the Republican Party platform
With only a few days left until Trump takes office, the recently revealed restrictions on AI chips have been imposed on advanced graphics processing units (GPUs), which are used to power data centers needed to train AI models. Moreover, under the new rules, cloud providers will be able to build data centers by applying for global approval. Once approved, they won’t need export licenses for AI chips which will allow them to build data centers in countries that cannot import enough chips because of the U.S.-imposed quotas. However, these authorized companies must abide by stringent conditions and restrictions, such as security requirements, reporting demands, and a plan or track record of respecting human rights.
Currently, the recent regulation divides the world into three tiers. 18 countries, including Japan, Britain, South Korea, and the Netherlands, will essentially be exempt from the rules. Moreover, 120 other countries, including Singapore, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, will face country caps, whereas arms-embargoed countries like Russia, China, and Iran will not be allowed to receive the technology altogether.
“How effective the rule ends up being in the next 10 to 15 years is now up to the incoming team. They are well aware that ensuring a dominant domestic industry is a core element of competition with China”.
– Meghan Harris, a national security official during the first Trump administration.
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15. Ontrak, Inc. (NASDAQ:OTRK)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: N/A
Ontrak, Inc. (NASDAQ:OTRK) is an AI-powered, telehealth-enabled, and virtualized healthcare company. Ontrak’s integrated intervention platform uses AI, predictive analytics, and digital interfaces combined with care coach engagements. The platform aims to deliver improved member health, better healthcare system utilization, and robust outcomes and savings.
On January 8, the company announced the signing of an agreement with Intermountain Health’s Medicare Advantage members in Nevada. Under the agreement, Ontrak will be providing its behavioral health solutions to Intermountain Health’s Medicare Advantage members in Nevada. In particular, it will deploy its AI-powered Ontrak Wholehealth+ solution, a comprehensive behavioral health solution offering clinical improvements and cost savings. The solution works by identifying high-cost, high-acuity members with chronic comorbidities and underlying but unaddressed behavioral health conditions, engaging them with care coaching and apt access to treatment.
The agreement is expected to add approximately 2,000 members to Ontrak Health’s outreach pool beginning in mid-February 2025 and will also include an option to provide the Ontrak Engage solution, a coaching-specific program for identifying members who would benefit from ongoing coaching.
“Our partnership with Intermountain Health represents a significant step forward in transforming behavioral healthcare delivery for Medicare Advantage members. By integrating our behavioral health care coaching model across the full spectrum of mental health needs, we are demonstrating how innovation can expand provider access, improve health outcomes, and reduce total cost of care. This value-based partnership with Intermountain Health aligns perfectly with our mission to make high-quality behavioral healthcare accessible and affordable for seniors”.
-Mary Lou Osborne, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Ontrak Health.
