Navigating GPU Export Controls And AI Use Restrictions In Data Center Operations

Within data centers, Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have emerged as key components, transforming how complex computations are handled. GPUs are employed for their ability to perform parallel data processing, making them ideal for a range of tasks, including scientific computations, machine learning algorithms, and processing large-scale data. As demand for infrastructure capable of supporting AI model training and inference has grown, the ability to host GPU servers has become increasingly important for data centers.

The increase in processing power that GPUs provide as compared to central processing units (or CPUs) has, however, given rise to disquiet amongst Western governments. In particular, the United States — where the biggest producers of GPUs are based — has expressed concern over their potential application for military and malign uses, and the Biden administration in January 2025 introduced comprehensive restrictions on the export and use of GPUs (the