An algorithm is an idea and it's hard to enforce ideas from spreading. Similar to how it is difficult to patent an algorithm. In the patent world you would have

An algorithm is an idea and it's hard to enforce ideas from spreading. Similar to how it is difficult to patent an algorithm. In the patent world you would have better luck tying that algo to a machine and patenting that. I think the same concept applies here. Software is the machine that embodies the algorithm. Its tied to a company and to dollars. What this will also mean is that startups that work in this space will need to watch out who they get funding from. If the VC is not US-based, CFIUS oversight may kick in.