Nvidia Denies Chinese Claims Of H20 Chip Backdoor And Kill Switch

Nvidia rejected Chinese state media allegations that its H20 AI chips pose national security risks, according to CNBC. Chinese state media outlet Yuyuan Tantian claimed the chips lack technological advancement, are not environmentally friendly, and could be remotely shut down via a hardware “backdoor.” Nvidia told CNBC it prioritizes cybersecurity and denied having any chip “backdoors” that allow remote access or control. On Tuesday, the company denied Chinese claims that its AI chips contain a hardware “kill switch” capable of remote deactivation. U.S.-China tensions over semiconductor export controls have intensified as Chinese state media labels Nvidia’s H20 chip inferior and dangerous. Nvidia resumed H20 chip shipments to China after a Trump administration ban, offering the less-advanced chips developed for the market following 2023 export restrictions on advanced AI chips.