Nvidia Denies 'Backdoor' Access in Chips After China Raises Security Concerns
Nvidia has denied claims that its H20 artificial intelligence chip contains any "backdoors" following a cybersecurity inquiry by Chinese authorities.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) summoned Nvidia on Thursday to address concerns that the chip could pose risks to user data and privacy. The regulator cited worries over potential hidden methods that could bypass normal security controls.
In a statement, an Nvidia spokesperson said, "Cybersecurity is critically important to us. Nvidia does not have 'backdoors' in our chips that would give anyone a remote way to access or control them."
The CAC’s concerns follow a U.S. proposal suggesting that advanced chips sold abroad should include tracking and positioning features. Although the proposal has not been formalised, it has raised alarms in China about possible surveillance or control by foreign entities.
The scrutiny comes shortly after the U.S. reversed an April ban on Nvidia selling the H20 chip to China. The chip was specifically developed for the Chinese market after the U.S. imposed export restrictions on advanced AI chips in late 2023.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited China earlier this month, meeting with government officials and praising the country’s AI progress.
Despite the concerns, analysts believe China is unlikely to impose strict regulations that would block Nvidia’s access to the market. Charlie Chai of 86Research said Beijing’s warning was likely symbolic and that China still relies on Nvidia chips for research and applications.
Demand for the H20 chip remains strong. Nvidia recently placed an order with contract manufacturer TSMC for 300,000 units, according to Reuters.
Nvidia’s chips are used by Chinese tech firms, military bodies, state-run AI institutes, and universities.
China has previously taken action against U.S. tech firms over security concerns. In early 2023, it barred key infrastructure operators from purchasing Micron products, citing serious security risks.
Last year, the Cybersecurity Association of China called for a review of Intel products, though regulators have not publicly responded.
Nvidia is also under investigation by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation for suspected violations of anti-monopoly laws. The probe includes a review of commitments made during its 2020 acquisition of Mellanox Technologies.
China summoned Nvidia over concerns about backdoor risks in its H20 AI chip
Nvidia denied any remote access or control features in its products
U.S. proposals for chip tracking features have raised alarms in China
Source: REUTERS
