A lawmaker in the United States is working on a new law to keep an eye on powerful computer chips used for artificial intelligence (AI) after they are sold. The goal is to stop these chips from being secretly sent to China, which goes against US trade rules. These chips, made by a well-known tech company, are important for building AI tools like chatbots, image creators, and even software used in dangerous research. Over the years, US leaders have put strict rules in place to control the sale of these chips to China. But despite these rules, reports suggest that many of these chips are still reaching China illegally. The company that makes these chips has said it does not have a way to track them once they are sold.
The lawmaker behind this new plan believes that technology already exists to track these chips. He is a scientist who has worked on designing computer chips in the past, so he understands how they work. His idea is to introduce a law that would force regulators to create new rules. These rules would make sure the chips stay in places where they are legally allowed to be. If someone tries to use the chips in an unauthorized location, the system would prevent them from turning on. This way, even if the chips are smuggled into a country like China, they would not work without permission.

The lawmaker has said that there are strong reports—some of them secret—showing that large numbers of these AI chips are still being smuggled into China. Many other lawmakers from different political parties agree with his plan. Experts who know about technology have also supported the idea, saying it is possible to track these chips. The lawmaker hopes that this new rule will help enforce the existing trade laws and stop illegal shipments.
Right now, powerful AI chips are in high demand around the world, especially in China. Many companies and researchers want them to build advanced AI systems. But because of US restrictions, getting these chips legally has become difficult. This has led to a black market where people try to sneak the chips into China through illegal ways. The new law aims to shut down these illegal operations by making the chips useless if they end up in the wrong place.
Some people might wonder how exactly the tracking would work. The lawmaker explains that many of these chips already have built-in technology that can help track them. The new rules would require companies to use this technology to monitor where the chips are being used. If a chip is moved to a location that is not approved, it would automatically stop working. This would make smuggling much harder because even if someone manages to bring the chips into China, they would not be able to use them.
The lawmaker’s plan is still in the early stages, and it will need approval from other government officials before it becomes a law. If it passes, it could have a big impact on the tech industry. Companies that make these chips might have to change how they sell them. Buyers would also have to follow stricter rules to prove they are using the chips in the right place. While this could make things more complicated for businesses, supporters of the law say it is necessary to protect national security.
China has been trying to develop its own advanced AI chips, but so far, many of its tech companies still rely on chips from other countries. The US restrictions have made it harder for China to get the latest technology, which is why smuggling has become a problem. If the new tracking law works, it could force China to depend more on its own chip-making efforts instead of finding ways around the rules.
This situation shows how important technology has become in global politics. AI chips are not just regular computer parts—they are powerful tools that can be used for both good and harmful purposes. Governments want to control who gets access to them to prevent misuse. The new law is part of a bigger effort to make sure these chips are used responsibly and do not end up in the wrong hands.
For now, people in the tech industry will be watching closely to see if the law moves forward. If it does, it could change how AI chips are sold and used around the world. The lawmaker pushing for this change believes it is a necessary step to enforce the rules that are already in place. Whether it will completely stop illegal shipments remains to be seen, but it could make smuggling much riskier and less profitable for those involved.
In the end, this is about balancing innovation with security. AI technology is advancing quickly, and governments are trying to keep up with new challenges. By tracking these powerful chips, the US hopes to prevent misuse while still allowing legitimate research and business uses. The debate over how to control advanced technology will likely continue as AI becomes even more important in the future.