119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 8283
The Deterring American AI Model Theft Act of 2026 protects proprietary artificial intelligence models by establishing federal tools to punish and deter theft of AI technology. The bill defines key terms like "closed-source AI models" (private AI systems with secret technical details) and "countries of concern" (including China and Russia), and identifies "model extraction attacks" as unauthorized attempts to steal AI capabilities by breaking into systems or using fake accounts. Under the legislation, the Commerce Department can add foreign entities engaged in AI theft to a federal restriction list that blocks their access to U.S. commerce and technology, while the President may freeze their assets and block financial transactions. The bill aims to protect American companies developing advanced AI systems from foreign competitors attempting to bypass security protections and access restrictions.