Reuters: Microsoft pressures Trump over ban on Chinese transceivers
🎧 Listen to this story
Microsoft is pressing Donald Trump’s administration to suspend plans to ban imports of new models of Chinese optical transceivers, Reuters reports, as cited by g1. The components connect servers, routers and switches through fiber-optic cables; the proposal, being developed by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), stems from concerns that the equipment could be used by Beijing to steal data, install malware or disrupt data centers.
Microsoft and other companies and industry associations argue that the ban could delay the deployment of data centers and harm the US advantage over China in the artificial intelligence race. The company took part in meetings with White House officials in September, according to sources quoted by Reuters. Cleanview says Microsoft has 35 data centers under construction in the US and another 134 planned. John Miller of the Information Technology Industry Council said the lack of transceivers could leave already purchased AI chips unused.
Why it matters · editorial interpretation
The case highlights a tension between data-center infrastructure security and the speed needed to expand AI projects. Companies and associations cited by Reuters say restrictions on Chinese transceivers could delay deployments and leave already purchased AI chips unused, while the FCC weighs risks involving data theft, malware and disruptions.
Sources
RegulationHardwareSecurity