Nvidia Warns Against U.S. Chip Backdoor Plans, Calls Them Risky
Nvidia has strongly opposed proposals from U.S. policymakers that could require American-made chips to include tracking tools or backdoor access. In a blog post published on Tuesday, the AI chipmaker warned that such features would pose major security risks.
The blog, released in both English and Chinese, came just one week after Chinese officials summoned Nvidia to raise concerns. China objected to a U.S. proposal that would require advanced chips sold overseas to include tracking and positioning functions.
U.S. Considers Tracking Tech in Exported Chips
The White House and U.S. lawmakers have suggested mandating location verification in AI chips to prevent their illegal diversion to restricted countries. While no laws or technical standards have been enacted, several bills and proposals are under discussion.
Nvidia responded sharply, stating that embedding backdoors or kill switches into chips would be dangerous. The company warned this would be a “gift” to hackers and hostile actors, risking the integrity of global digital infrastructure.
“Embedding backdoors and kill switches into chips would be a gift to hackers and hostile actors. It would undermine global digital infrastructure and fracture trust in U.S. technology,” Nvidia said.
No Backdoors in Nvidia Chips, Company Says
Nvidia stressed that its chips do not contain any backdoors or kill switches. It stated clearly that none of its products include features that could allow remote access or external control.
Backdoors are hidden pathways that bypass normal security checks, often enabling unauthorised access. Nvidia warned that there is no such thing as a “good” backdoor—only security flaws that could be exploited.
“There is no such thing as a ‘good’ secret backdoor – only dangerous vulnerabilities that need to be eliminated,” the company added.
The debate over chip security comes amid rising global tensions over AI development and chip exports. As the U.S. tightens controls, companies like Nvidia are pushing back against rules that could damage global trust and technology leadership.
with inputs from Reuters
