U.S. Senators Back Bill Restricting Adversarial AI in Federal Agencies

U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Gary Peters are backing bipartisan legislation that would prohibit federal agencies from using artificial intelligence technology controlled by foreign adversaries, including China. The measure is intended to keep potentially risky AI systems out of government operations.

The proposal matters because federal agencies increasingly rely on AI tools that may process sensitive government or personal data. Restricting systems linked to adversarial governments would add a national-security filter to public-sector technology procurement.

Under the bill, the Federal Acquisition Security Council would identify AI products developed or controlled by covered foreign entities. Federal agencies would then be barred from acquiring or using technologies included on that list.

The legislation reflects broader scrutiny in Washington of foreign access to advanced technology and the security implications of imported AI systems. It would still need congressional approval before becoming law.

The measure does not directly regulate cryptocurrencies or blockchain networks. Its relevance to the wider technology sector lies in the expanding use of national-security rules to determine which foreign-developed digital products U.S. institutions may adopt.