Warnings emerge over AI firm G42

G42, which is based in Abu Dhabi and backed by the UAE’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ, has been involved in various AI projects in sectors such as healthcare, finance, oil and gas, aviation, and hospitality. The company has also partnered with global tech giants such as Microsoft, Dell, and OpenAI.

However, the company has also raised concerns among American officials for its collaborations with Chinese companies such as Huawei, CloudWalk, and iFlytek, which are accused of having ties with China’s military and intelligence agencies. The CIA has flagged G42 as a potential conduit for providing advanced US technology to China, which could undermine the US’s strategic advantage in the AI race.

Moreover, G42’s CEO Peng Xiao has a controversial background as the former head of ToTok, a popular messaging app that was banned by Google and Apple last year for being a spying tool for the UAE government with the help of Chinese engineers. Peng has denied any involvement in ToTok’s operations or any wrongdoing by G42.

The US investigation into G42 is part of a broader effort to counter China’s growing influence and ambitions in the field of AI, which is seen as a key factor for shaping the future global order¹. The US has imposed sanctions and restrictions on several Chinese AI companies and researchers, accusing them of human rights violations, espionage, and theft of intellectual property.

The UAE, a close ally of the US in the Middle East, has not commented on the investigation or the allegations against G42. The UAE has been pursuing a vision of becoming a regional hub for innovation and technology, and has invested heavily in AI development and education. G42, which was established in 2018, has been at the forefront of the UAE’s AI initiatives, and has recently launched a $10 billion investment fund to support AI startups and research.

The US probe into G42 highlights the challenges and dilemmas that the US and its allies face in balancing their security interests and their economic opportunities in the rapidly evolving and competitive AI landscape. As AI capabilities become more advanced and accessible, the risks of espionage and national security threats may also increase, requiring more vigilance and cooperation among the stakeholders.