Nvidia Denies Chinese 'Kill Switch' Accusations on AI Chips

Nvidia Denies Chinese 'Kill Switch' Accusations on AI Chips

Nvidia has refuted claims from China that its AI data center GPUs contain a 'kill switch' allowing for remote deactivation.

Nvidia's Response

Nvidia's Chief Security Officer, David Reber, stated that Nvidia GPUs do not have kill switches or backdoors. This response follows a request from the Cyberspace Administration of China for documentation regarding alleged security vulnerabilities in Nvidia's H20 chip, designed for the Chinese market.

Geopolitical Context

The Chinese regulator expressed concerns about potential 'backdoor' risks. The situation highlights the delicate balance Nvidia must strike amid geopolitical tensions, as its AI chips are globally sought after. Proposed U.S. legislation suggests location-tracking systems for exported AI chips. U.S. export controls already restrict some Nvidia chips to China due to national security concerns, fearing their use for military advancements.

Nvidia's Perspective

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang believes making Nvidia's chips a global standard, including among Chinese developers, is beneficial for the U.S. The H20 chip generates billions in quarterly revenue for Nvidia. The company previously faced export restrictions on this chip. Security experts generally consider backdoors unacceptable due to the risk of unauthorized data access and control. Apple has also resisted government requests for similar backdoors in the past.

Security Implications

Reber emphasized that backdoors are dangerous vulnerabilities exploitable by hackers and detrimental to U.S. national security. He likened embedding a kill switch to giving a car dealership remote control over a driver's parking brake.