China summons Nvidia over H20 chip backdoor security risks
China's Cyberspace Administration summoned Nvidia on July 31, 2025 to demand explanation and evidence regarding reported backdoor security risks in the H20 AI chip sold in China. Nvidia denied the allegations, stating its chips contain no remotely accessible backdoors. The summons came after US export restrictions on the chip were lifted in early July 2025.
What happened
On July 31, 2025, China's Cyberspace Administration summoned Nvidia to demand explanation and evidence regarding reported backdoor security risks in the H20 chip sold in China.
China's Ministry of State Security had warned on July 20, 2025 that some foreign-produced semiconductors contained backdoor risks.
Reported impact
The reported security risks were framed as a threat to Chinese users' internet and data safety.
Index analysis
US members of Congress had previously requested that exported advanced chips include location tracking functionality, and US AI experts reportedly stated that Nvidia chip location tracking and remote shutdown technology had reached maturity.
Governance controls
China cited domestic laws including the Internet Security Law, Data Security Law, and Personal Information Protection Law as the basis for its investigation.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.