American intelligence agencies have raised alarms about G42, an Emirati AI company, for its collaborations with major Chinese firms seen as security risks by the U.S. American officials worry that G42 might transfer advanced U.S. technology to China. The intelligence reports also suggest that G42 could help China access the genetic data of millions of Americans and others.

This was reported by the New York Times, with information based on interviews with U.S. government officials, technology experts, and foreign business leaders. Some sources chose to remain anonymous due to the delicate diplomatic matters surrounding G42.

U.S. Concerns Over G42’s Chinese Connections

Classified U.S. intelligence highlighted G42’s ties with Chinese companies like Huawei, which are seen as threats by the U.S.

American officials identified key concerns, such as G42’s technology base, which was developed with assistance from Chinese firms like Huawei. Additionally, U.S. officials have looked closely at a G42 branch named Presight AI, which provides surveillance tech to police globally. This includes software very similar to what Chinese police use.

The CIA even created a confidential report on Peng Xiao, the CEO of G42. Xiao, who studied in the U.S. and later gave up his American citizenship for one from the UAE, is the focus of this report. However, the exact findings of the CIA about Xiao are not clear.

The Biden administration urged the company to cut ties with Chinese firms. Discussions have been ongoing in Washington and Abu Dhabi, where American officials told their Emirati colleagues to choose between the U.S. and China when it comes to sensitive emerging technologies.

G42’s Operations and U.S. Scrutiny

This U.S. scrutiny is part of a broader strategy to limit China’s technological and military influence, especially in AI, big data, and genomic research.
The National Security Council and the Emirati embassy declined to comment in detail. G42 also avoided specific questions but mentioned efforts to align with U.S. technology companies and comply with U.S. regulations.

G42 has publicly shared its rapid expansion, boasting deals with European and Silicon Valley giants, and a partnership with OpenAI.

Named after a concept from the famous comedy book “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” is a vast enterprise with interests in AI, health care, genome sequencing, and technology investments, including a stake in ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.