Elizabeth Warren Calls for Congressional Action Over Reports of Nvidia Chips in Russian Drones
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has called for congressional action following reports that Nvidia artificial intelligence computers may be powering Russian drones used in Ukraine.
The Massachusetts Democrat said the allegations raise questions about whether Nvidia is doing enough to prevent its advanced technology from reaching U.S. adversaries.
According to a statement from Democratic staff of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, the drones were reportedly linked to an attack that killed three civilians in Ukraine on July 6.
“These allegations raise serious questions about whether NVIDIA is taking necessary steps to ensure its technology does not end up in the hands of adversaries,” Warren said.
Warren, the ranking Democrat on the committee, called on Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang to testify before Congress about how the company tracks the destination and use of its products.
“If Jensen Huang has time to attend a $1 million-a-head dinner at Mar-a-Lago and fly across the world to meet with President Xi Jinping, he can find time to testify in front of Congress about reports that NVIDIA technology is powering Russia’s war machine,” she said.
Warren did not identify the specific Nvidia systems allegedly used in the drones or explain how the technology may have reached Russia. The committee statement also did not provide details about the underlying reports, and Nvidia’s response was not included.
The senator said the allegations underscore the need for stronger controls to prevent sensitive U.S. technology from being acquired or used by foreign adversaries.
“And Congress needs to act now to pass bipartisan bills that will make sure our most advanced technologies are not being used to compromise our national security,” Warren said.
The issue adds to congressional concerns about advanced American technology reaching Russia through intermediaries or third countries despite restrictions on direct exports.
Artificial intelligence computers and advanced processors can have a range of military applications, including autonomous navigation, image recognition, target identification and rapid processing of data collected by unmanned systems.
Warren has also pressed the U.S. government and major technology companies over the military use of artificial intelligence. In July, she sought information from the Defense Department and eight technology companies, including Nvidia, about contracts involving AI systems deployed on classified military networks.
At the time, Warren said the government had provided limited information about safeguards governing those systems, including protections against civilian harm, unlawful surveillance and the misuse of autonomous weapons. (Source: IANS)
