Spouses, children of key Chinese AI talent will need permission to travel abroad, even for short trips | World News

Families of top artificial intelligence (AI) professionals working in the private sector in China will reportedly have to face expanded overseas travel restrictions. China has expanded its overseas travel restrictions for the AI professionals to include the families of key personnel in order to intensify efforts to halt the outflow of sensitive technical knowledge to the US, according to a report by Bloomberg.Also Read | US, China to set up 'communication channel' for AI incidents after Trump-Xi meetChina's travel curbs for families of AI executivesUnder newly directives, direct relatives like spouses and children of key AI executives whose work is deemed vital to national security must secure government sign-off even for brief foreign visits, the report added, citing people familiar with the matter.The affected executives would include significant startup founders and the heads of important AI-related companies. While this is not a travel ban, it may have effects on the tech sector.China restricted foreign travel for top AI professionals in private firms since earlier this year, according to the report, Bloomberg reported in May.Also Read | Trump hails Xi meet as ‘very productive’; China President urges greater cooperation on AIChina's exit bansThe report added that China is also implementing rules for enforcing exit bans in cases including criminal investigations and potential violations of industrial and technological security.According to the people cited in the report, the government plans to add relevant individuals to the list.From nuclear scientists to AI talent: Who faced China's travel restrictionsFor years, China has imposed travel restrictions on several personnel from nuclear scientists to college researchers. According to the report, the families of these key personnel have also been similarly affected.The Chinese government is now targeting talent within the private sector.Also Read | Xi Jinping says US, China have ‘responsibility to ensure AI development under human control’Travel curbs for AI talent and their families - But whyConcerns among Chinese officials about the potential loss of technology and top talent deepened after Meta Platforms Inc.'s acquisition of Manus, the report noted. Subsequently, the Chinese government instructed the US company to unwind the deal.Moreover, China also moved to restrict US investment in sensitive technology companies.(with inputs from Bloomberg)