On Nov. 8, Nvidia’s board opened an independent investigation into reports that foreign intelligence targeted CEO Jensen Huang, saying it currently has no reason to believe company secrets or U.S. national security were compromised.
The review followed reporting by The New York Times that U.S. intelligence officials believed a Chinese business executive had gathered information for Beijing and developed a close relationship with Huang. The executive, Alice Huang, is not related to Jensen Huang. She was reportedly a former executive at Megaspeed, a Singapore-based data center company that buys Nvidia chips.
Nvidia’s investigation has not established the allegations as findings. Huang acknowledged in a message to employees that he had been unfaithful to his wife. He apologized to his family and colleagues.
He did not identify the person involved. Nvidia said a committee of independent directors will oversee the inquiry. The committee will receive support from independent legal advisers outside the company.
It will examine the available information. Huang has said he supports the review. He has said he will cooperate.
The board expressed confidence in him and his leadership team. The inquiry comes as Nvidia’s advanced AI chips are a main focus of U.S. rules that restrict exports. There are also wider concerns about China’s access to sensitive technology.