Nvidia H20 chips deemed unsafe by Chinese state media

In Short:
– Chinese media warns Nvidia’s H20 chips may have security backdoors and are not eco-friendly.
– Nvidia is questioned by Chinese regulators, assuring no unauthorized access features exist in their products.

Chinese state media has raised security concerns regarding Nvidia’s H20 chips.

According to CCTV-affiliated account Yuyuan Tantian, these chips may have backdoor access issues and are neither advanced nor environmentally friendly.

Nvidia had developed the H20 chips for the Chinese market after the U.S. imposed restrictions on the export of advanced AI technology in late 2023. Despite the reversal of a sales ban by the U.S. in July, concerns remain.

Security Proofs

China’s cyberspace regulator met with Nvidia on July 31 to inquire about potential backdoor risks in the H20 chips.

Nvidia responded, asserting its products do not include features allowing unauthorized access.

Yuyuan Tantian’s article suggests these chips could allow remote shutdowns through such backdoors.

The criticism followed an earlier statement by People’s Daily, urging Nvidia to provide “convincing security proofs” to alleviate concerns from Chinese consumers.