EU weighs outbound investment curbs on AI and biotech, eyeing China

Brussels aligns with U.S. on leak risks while strengthening trade ties with Beijing

20230414N surveillance cameras in Shganhai

Artificial intelligence can be used in surveillance systems. The EU is concerned that AI technology within the bloc could be transferred to other countries for applications that raise human rights issues. © Reuters

TAKASHI TSUJI, Nikkei staff writer

April 15, 2023 00:51 JST

BRUSSELS -- The European Union is considering restricting overseas investment by European companies in sensitive fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotechnology, aiming mainly to keep it out of the hands of China's military.

The proposed regulations would focus on dual-use technologies -- those with both civilian and military applications. A draft version is set to be released by the European Commission as soon as this year.