Microsoft (MSFT) and Google (GOOG) and other major tech companies will be granted the role of global "gatekeepers" by the US to control access to high-value artificial intelligence chips, Reuters reported Friday, citing sources with knowledge of the matter.

The companies will reportedly be required to follow strict US rules, including reporting of key details to the government and preventing Chinese entities from accessing top-tier AI chips.

The policy aims to make it easier and faster to approve AI chip exports, while also stopping malicious actors from using advanced AI for military or harmful purposes, the media outlet reported.

The US administration reportedly believes China could use AI to strengthen its armed forces, carry out cyber attacks or even develop dangerous biological weapons.

Under these rules, companies without "gatekeeper" status will be required to seek licenses to import a limited number of top-quality AI chips, like those made by Nvidia (NVDA) and AMD (AMD) into certain countries, the report added.

"While we do not comment on unpublished rules, we are ready to provide the government with any information it requires," an Nvidia spokesperson told MT Newswires.

Friendly nations, including the Netherlands, Japan and Taiwan, will be exempt from these restrictions, Reuters said.

The US Department of Commerce, Google, Microsoft and AMD did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)