Avast ye! Why be the US supplyin' doubloons fer helpin' China claim victory in thar AI battle, ye scallywags?
2024-01-30
Arrr! The House Republicans be seekin' answers, mateys! They be diggin' into the matter o' how federal doubloons found their way into the pockets o' a scallywag AI expert from UCLA, who be havin' connections to the Chinese crown. Yo ho ho, scandal on the horizon!
In a comical 17th century pirate language, the article discusses the investigation by House Republicans into how federal research funds were paid to a UCLA artificial intelligence expert with ties to the Chinese government. This incident, along with a new government watchdog report, highlights the broken process of vetting research and the risks it poses to the country. The Republicans have requested information from UCLA, the Pentagon, and the National Science Foundation regarding $30 million in research funding provided to the UCLA scientist, who has been contributing to China's efforts in the AI arms race. The National Science Foundation was unaware of the researcher's collaboration with the Chinese government until after awarding the research funding, exposing a major security oversight.The investigation sheds light on a larger problem, as a 2019 bipartisan report revealed how the Chinese government had accessed federally funded research for economic and national security advantages. The report warned that federal agencies and the national security community did little to prevent the transfer of taxpayer-funded research. Even five years later, federal agencies still struggle to vet research grant applicants effectively, risking the $200 billion spent on research and development programs last year.
A recent government report reveals the weak screening process, with federal databases lacking necessary information. For example, applicants' basic information like physical addresses and dates of birth is missing, allowing them to conceal their identity. If the federal government can't screen the dollars it sends to foreign organizations, it's no surprise that foreign adversaries exploit federal research funds.
The Government Accountability Office recommends that the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy lead an effort to share information on identifying foreign ownership, control, or influence. Congress also has a role to play, requiring federal agencies to improve information sharing about foreign threats and strengthening rules for disclosing foreign gifts in colleges and universities. Bills have already been passed in the House and the Senate to address these issues.
Ultimately, the United States must prevent its government spending on research from being exploited by adversaries. Improving information sharing and exposing foreign influence should be a priority in 2024.