"Nvidia receives questions from China regarding the security of their Artificial Intelligence chips" - Inquiry Made by China Regarding AI Chip Security to Nvidia
In a move that further intensifies the ongoing tech conflict between the USA and China, Chinese regulators have officially summoned Nvidia to address allegations that their H20 AI chips contain potential backdoor vulnerabilities allowing tracking, location, and remote control capabilities that may threaten China's national security.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) raised the allegations citing concerns over embedded tracking and remote-disable functionalities in Nvidia’s H20 chips, which power critical AI infrastructure in China. This probe adds to ongoing U.S.-China tech friction involving accusations of espionage via hardware and software. Both sides have recently increased scrutiny of technology exports and imports, reflecting broader geopolitical competition in AI and semiconductors.
China’s investigation follows domestic laws aimed at cybersecurity and data protection for Chinese users, and mentions U.S. legislative proposals (e.g., the Chip Security Act) that would require advanced chips exported by the U.S. to include security mechanisms to detect smuggling and unauthorized use.
Nvidia has yet to publicly comment on these specific allegations, while the dispute has put the sales of H20 chips in China at risk, given the national security concerns expressed by Beijing. The H20 chips, designed for the Chinese market and initially compliant with US export controls, were banned by the US government in April 2025 but later allowed for sale again.
AI experts have claimed that location tracking and remote shutdown technologies are already market-ready in Nvidia. The CAC has asked Nvidia to provide technical documents related to the H20 chips, but the agency did not cite its own technical findings but referenced reports from the US.
This incident reflects the ongoing strategic tech rivalry and mistrust between the U.S. and China in AI chip technology. Washington aims to limit China's access to powerful AI hardware, while Peking strives for greater independence through its own chip development. The sale of H20 chips to China escalates the tech conflict between Peking (China) and Washington (USA).
Sources:
[1] Reuters. (2025). Chinese regulators summon Nvidia over alleged security risks in AI chips. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/technology/chinese-regulators-summon-nvidia-over-alleged-security-risks-ai-chips-2025-04-15/
[2] The New York Times. (2025). China Accuses Nvidia of Selling Chips With Potential Backdoors. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/technology/china-nvidia-chips-backdoors.html
- The ongoing tech conflict between the USA and China intensifies as China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC) investigates Nvidia's H20 AI chips, alleging potential backdoor vulnerabilities that could threaten China's national security. This probe is fought under the blanket of broader geopolitical competition in AI and semiconductors, with both sides scrutinizing technology exports and imports.
- The technology allegations against Nvidia's H20 chips involve embedded tracking and remote-disable functionalities, raising concerns in the context of China's laws aimed at cybersecurity and data protection for Chinese users. This incident underscores the strategic tech rivalry and mistrust between the U.S. and China, with Washington aiming to limit China's access to powerful AI hardware and Peking striving for greater independence through its own chip development.
