Comment by soupfordummies

12 hours ago

I wouldn’t be surprised if US “bans” access to the Chinese models by the end of the year

How?

  • I think your question is rhetorical, in which case I agree with the sentiment.

    The US absolutely could (and very well might) make Chinese models illegal, possibly open weight models in general, but all that will do is keep them out of the hands of law abiding US citizens.

    Law breakers in the US and the entire rest of the world would still have access, and nothing in the US will be any safer. People who think regulation will solve the problem should be embarrassed by their ignorance.

  • If you are a legally operating company in the US just saying it's banned is enough, the threat of enforcement is enough pressure.

    You and I obviously can just use a VPN, but 99% of usage is likely as part of a company.

    • > If you are a legally operating company in the US just saying it's banned is enough, the threat of enforcement is enough pressure.

      Is there precedent for the US actually "banning" software? I know for example the Kaspersky ban and tiktok ban, but both of those were either banning the sales or banning the service. IIRC neither made the actual software illegal.

      What is an example of a specific software being illegal to possess? What is an example of a specific software being illegal to use if it is not used to break other laws (copyright, etc.) or talks to banned service providers?

      Closest thing I can think of is restricting the export of cryptography in the 90's, but that was not even close to what you are suggesting.

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