export controls
US Toughens Export Controls on Semiconductors to China Amid Military Concerns
The US Department of Commerce tightened export controls on advanced computing semiconductors to China and other countries of concern to address national security threats posed by military modernization. The rules, effective from November 16, 2023, refine the parameters defining restricted chips, introduce a global licensing requirement, and expand controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The update also adds certain PRC entities to the Entity List, requiring a BIS license for foundries manufacturing chips for these entities.
Reuters: U.S. Aims to Thwart Chinese Access to AI Chips via Overseas Outlets
The U.S. is contemplating tightening restrictions to prevent Chinese firms from accessing American AI chips via overseas outlets, reinforcing its stance on curbing China's AI military advancements. The move comes amid existing challenges in enforcing export controls, with the new rules expected to broaden the scope of restrictions on the AI chip market.
U.S. Lawmakers Urge Stricter Export Controls on Advanced Semiconductors to China
Two senior Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives have called on the Biden administration to tighten export controls on advanced semiconductors to China. The lawmakers, Michael McCaul and Mike Gallagher, chairmen of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Select Committee on China respectively, expressed concerns over the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS) lax enforcement of existing rules. The call for action comes amid advancements by China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) and Huawei Technologies.
U.S. Financial Regulators Warn Crypto Firms to Tighten Stablecoin AML Risk Controls
U.S. regulators have issued a strict warning on money laundering risks associated with stablecoins and has warned providers to tighten AML protections and controls.
Thailand’s Trade Policy Office to Trace Agricultural Products from Farm to Export Using Blockchain
Thailand’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) has revealed its intentions of using blockchain technology to trace agricultural products from farms to export as this will optimize buyers’ confidence.
First Chinese State-Backed Blockchain Firm "Tainted" the Nation's Image Due to the Export of Faulty COVID-19 Medical Supplies
Tus Data Asset, a blockchain firm based in Beijing, has been banned by the Chinese government from exporting medical supplies to other countries during the coronavirus pandemic.
Argentina Orders Stricter Monitoring on Local Crypto Transactions Amid Battling the Flight of Devalued Pesos
Argentina’s Financial Information Unit (FIU) has ordered stricter controls and monitoring into cryptocurrency transactions in the country to eradicate money laundering and other illicit activities. Argentine newspaper El Cronista reported that the FIU, a government agency that is responsible for enforcing anti-money laundering laws and compliance, is looking to tighten its controls on cryptocurrency trading.
Facebook’s Libra Move to Apply for Swiss Regulator FINMA License: A Failed Permissionless Network?
Libra is moving away from its original plan of permissionless digital currency, widely accessible for the public, due to ongoing unprecedented hardship. Libra will be moving towards a coin that would be subject to foreign exchange controls and regulations.
Argentina Adopts Blockchain Technology for Traceability in the Citrus Industry
The citrus supply chain is one of the most fragmented and complex of all supply chains. The production is found all over the world, thus making several intermediaries and producers difficult to identify and trace. The Argentine Citrus Federation (Federcitrus) incorporated blockchain into the agency’s informatics system to provide traceability of fruit export products.
Hong Kong’s National Security Law Triggers Exodus of Wealthy Society’s Capital, Is Gold Being Dumped for Bitcoin?
Hong Kong’s rich and affluent are reportedly moving large amounts of gold out of the major financial hub following Beijing’s imposed national security law. According to well-known Bitcoin bull Max Keiser, Bitcoin is a better way to export your fortune.
What are the 7 Key Takeaways from Facebook's Libra Hearings?
The debate on Facebook's Libra continues with the hearing with Senate Banking Committee on 16 July and the United States House Committee of Financial Services on 17 July. Here are the 7 key takeaways from the two hearings.
South Korea Is Looking to Put Trade Finance on the Blockchain
The South Korean government wants all trade to be on the blockchain, Coindesk reports.
Brazil Central Bank Moves to Follow IMF Crypto Classification Guidelines
The Central Bank of Brazil has adopted the classification of cryptocurrencies being sold or purchased under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) guidelines.
South African Reserve Bank to Strictly Regulate Cryptocurrency in 2020
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is planning on introducing new regulations on cryptocurrency, which according to Kuben Naidoo, SARB deputy governor, will be fully implemented and enforced in the first quarter of 2020 and it brings to an end a deliberation that started since 2014.
Australian Farmer Teams Up with FreshChain for Watermelon Traceability via Blockchain
Andrew Martens, an Australian owning Marto Farms, has joined hands with Fresh Chain Systems, a local tech firm, in deploying blockchain technology on his watermelon labels to propel traceability. Buyers across Australia will, therefore, be able to trace the originality of the fruit.