Kessler: BIS will require rigorous security for any authorized AI chip exports to Gulf partners
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Summary
Witnesses and lawmakers debated whether AI chip exports to Gulf countries should be conditioned on binding security agreements. Under Secretary Kessler said BIS approval would be required and that licenses would include "rigorous security requirements," but declined to pre-commit to blocking exports until governments sign specified agreements.
Under Secretary Kessler told the committee that any exports of advanced AI chips require BIS licensing and that BIS evaluates whether chips will be secure when deployed overseas.
"For any chips to be exported, any of the chips that they're interested in getting, BIS approval would be needed," Kessler said, describing his agency's licensing role for overseas deployments.
The committee pressed the witness on recent deals announced by the White House and whether the UAE and Saudi Arabia signed security guarantees to prevent third-party or remote access by adversaries. Representative Kamlager Dove asked directly whether Kessler would "commit right now that no advanced USAI chips would be exported to The UAE or Saudi Arabia until those governments sign a binding security and monitoring agreement." Kessler answered that he would "ensure that rigorous security requirements are in place, and we would enforce those requirements" for any license that is required.
Kessler outlined the elements BIS would consider when authorizing exports: trusted operators and cloud providers, physical security at data centers, personnel vetting and "know your customer" controls to prevent diversion through shell companies. He said security requirements would be enforced as part of license conditions.
Lawmakers repeatedly raised the idea of embedding technology such as location tracking on AI chips to detect diversion. Kessler agreed those were areas of discussion but did not commit to specific technical mandates; he said BIS would weigh security measures when evaluating license requests.
Kessler also addressed whether any export controls had been suspended as a result of recent diplomatic deals: "No. No no export controls have been suspended at all," he said, adding that existing export controls remain in force during negotiations and after announced deals.
Why it matters: Several members said Gulf deals could open markets for U.S. AI infrastructure while posing diversion risks. The exchange shows the committee's attention to license conditions as a tool to balance economic and security objectives, and highlights the kinds of security terms BIS would expect to see before authorizing exports.
Kessler said BIS will continue to require licenses for covered chips and to condition approvals on security requirements; he said the agency would work with committee members on technical and policy details.