Beijing Summons Nvidia Over Security Concerns in China-Specific H20 Chips

The Chinese cyberspace regulatory authority has ordered the US chip manufacturer Nvidia for a conversation. The background is alleged serious security concerns related to special AI chips developed for the Chinese market.

H20 chip in sight

In particular, it is about the so-called H20 chip, which has been tailored to US specifications and has recently been able to be exported to China again. According to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), US experts are said to have found that the Nvidia chips have functions for location tracking and could be switched off from a distance.

Which experts have gained these findings or whether corresponding tests were carried out in China, however, remained open in the statement of the authority. NVIDIA has now been asked to explain the raised security questions in detail and to submit comprehensive technical documents. The chip group has not yet publicly commented on the allegations, reported the British business newspaper Financial Times.

The development meets Nvidia at a critical time. Just a few weeks ago, Washington had re -granted the export permit for the H20 – a step that should enable the group to consolidate its recently under pressure on the Chinese market. Nvidia boss Jensen Huang then traveled to Beijing to meet customers and to present a new GPU based on the current Blackwell series, which is compliant with the US guidelines.

No evidence

Observers such as Paul Triolo, China technology expert from the consulting firm DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group, expressed doubts about the allegations. There is no specific indications of a intentionally built -in back door in the hardware. Meanwhile, China is promoting the establishment of its own semiconductor industry. Companies such as Huawei as well as smaller manufacturers such as Biren and Cambricon benefit from Beijings.

In the United States, political resistance to the export of high -performance chips is growing to China. A new law stipulates that chips that are exported must be equipped with location technology – for fear of technology protection by Chinese bodies. There are forces both in the USA and China that are critical of resuming the H20 sales. In both countries it is feared that this decision could risk the technological lead or delay the development of its own alternatives.