Inquiry made by China regarding safety aspects in AI chips produced by Nvidia
In a developing geopolitical saga, Nvidia is under scrutiny over potential security risks associated with its advanced AI chips sold in China. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has summoned Nvidia representatives to address allegations that the H20 chips, specifically designed for the Chinese market, contain vulnerabilities and capabilities for location tracking and remote shutdown.
The CAC's concerns stem from reports regarding potential security risks in advanced chips made in the U.S., and the H20 chips are no exception. The escalating tech conflict between the U.S. and China is further intensifying over the issue of chips and AI hardware.
Simultaneously, Beijing is resisting Washington's restrictions on chip exports, aiming for greater independence through its own chip development. This push for self-reliance is not new, as even the H20 chips are a toned-down version designed to comply with previous U.S. export controls.
The tech industry is abuzz with discussions about the alleged vulnerabilities and "backdoors" in the H20 chips. AI experts have stated that location tracking and remote shutdown technologies are already market-ready in Nvidia's offerings.
The U.S. government's stance on the matter is clear. In April 2025, it banned the export of even the compliant H20 chips, adding fuel to the fire in the ongoing tech conflict. U.S. lawmakers have demanded that advanced chips made in the U.S. should be equipped with tracking functions to ensure national security.
As the situation unfolds, Nvidia faces pressure to address the allegations and provide assurances about the security of its AI chips sold in China. The company has yet to issue a formal response, but the implications of this issue extend beyond just the sale of the H20 chips—it could shape the future of the tech industry and the geopolitical landscape.
[1] Cyberspace Administration of China, Press Release, Date Accessed: 2023-05-01.
The ongoing tech conflict between the U.S. and China is further fueled by worries about security risks in advanced chips, with the H20 chips being a major point of debate. The escalation has reached a critical juncture as the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) is scrutinizing Nvidia's H20 chips, which reportedly contain location tracking and remote shutdown capabilities, due to their potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, this dispute has raised concerns in the broader industry, with AI experts echoing these worries about the security of advanced chips made by Nvidia.
