Two influential members of the US House of Representatives addressed an open letter to the White House, calling for an investigation into the transaction between Microsoft Corporation and G42 of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the AI industry.
In April, Microsoft announced a $1.5 billion investment in G42, sparking concerns among American lawmakers, particularly in light of a recent visit by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Bin Al Nahayan to Beijing.
The authors of the letter, Republicans Michael McColus and John Muleenar, who lead the Foreign Committee and the Strategic Competition Committee with the China Communist Party, respectively, emphasized the potential risks of the transaction, stating, “This could be one of the most significant American technological company investments in the Middle East in decades. If this partnership progresses, we must evaluate associated risks soberly.”
Congressmen fear that Microsoft’s collaboration with G42 could result in the leakage of advanced American technologies to China, as G42 has previously drawn scrutiny for connections with China.
Despite efforts by G42 to address these concerns by severing ties with China and Microsoft assuring transparency in the partnership, the congressmen remain unconvinced. They are not calling for a direct block on the transaction but are requesting a thorough investigation into security measures and other aspects impacting national security.
Microsoft has stated that it is working closely with the National Security Council of the Department of Commerce, emphasizing that US national security is a top priority. G42 has not yet commented on the situation.