Tobias

Zhou Hongyi, founder of 360, addressed concerns about Nvidia’s H20 AI chip security at a Beijing conference, following reports of Chinese regulatory scrutiny. While acknowledging the difficulty of detecting hardware backdoors, Zhou stated software-related vulnerabilities are inevitable. He distinguished between intentional backdoors and unintentional vulnerabilities, suggesting China’s suspicions are reasonable given past US government requests to Nvidia. Despite this, Zhou believes Nvidia likely has no deliberate malicious intent and proposed a third-party security audit to address concerns. Nvidia denies any backdoors in its chips.

China’s MSS warns of increased espionage via cyberattacks targeting personal and state data. Exploits include compromised smart cameras (default passwords, lack of updates) and malware spread through automatic downloads on online forums. The MSS advises users to strengthen security: avoid default passwords, use reliable antivirus software, update systems, and exercise caution with automatic downloads, urging vigilance against foreign intelligence agencies.

OpenAI is teasing a livestream event on X, sparking speculation about the unveiling of GPT-5. A typo in the announcement fueled the rumors. CEO Sam Altman hinted at GPT-5’s integration of several technologies. The standard ChatGPT version may offer free, limited access to GPT-5’s basic capabilities. Plus and Pro subscribers could gain access to more advanced features like voice integration, enhanced search, and research tools.

Former President Trump intends to impose tariffs of approximately 100% on imported chips and semiconductors, but would waive them for companies that manufacture in the U.S., incentivizing domestic production. Tariffs could also be levied on products containing semiconductor chips. This policy aims to reshape supply chains and bolster U.S. self-reliance in critical technology. Apple, with its existing U.S. investments and manufacturing initiatives, appears strategically positioned amidst these potential changes, potentially employing 20,000 more in the US.

Gree Electric faces investor scrutiny over its chip business, despite significant R&D spending. Concerns arose from comparing Gree’s chip subsidiary’s small registered workforce to industry peers. Gree responded, stating its chip team nears 1,000 employees and clarified previous data discrepancies. Gree entered the chip domain in 2015, focusing on MCUs, smart home chips, power devices, and silicon carbide wafer manufacturing. Chairwoman Dong Mingzhu defended the company’s chip venture as a strategic move towards self-reliance and potentially providing semiconductor solutions to others.

A recent leak at TSMC, impacting its 2nm process technology R&D and Fab 20 in Hsinchu, involves nine individuals and has sparked industry debate. The breach, detected internally, highlights the challenges of protecting valuable IP. Intriguingly, the leak involves Tokyo Electron (TEL), a partner of Rapidus, intensifying competition in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. TSMC had implemented rigorous security measures, including iPhone replacements and U.S. security expert recruitment. Despite CEO C.C. Wei’s confidence, the leak originated from TSMC’s headquarters, emphasizing the persistent threat of internal security breaches.

TSMC faces pressure from potential U.S. tariffs and demands for significant investment. The U.S. is considering a 20% tariff on Taiwanese exports, prompting negotiation for a rate closer to South Korea and Japan’s 15%. Reports suggest the U.S. seeks a $300 billion investment from TSMC for a massive Arizona fabrication plant, potentially housing future 2nm and 1.4nm processes. This investment, exceeding 30 times TSMC’s equity, follows a prior $165 billion U.S. expansion commitment. TSMC has declined to comment on the rumors.

A Chinese gaming streamer, Youchong, faced controversy after discrepancies surfaced between her avatar and real appearance revealed at an awards ceremony. Youchong clarified that the avatar was simply an aesthetic choice and that her appeal lay in her gaming skills, not her looks. This incident sparked debate regarding online personas versus reality and audience expectations in the evolving live-streaming market, highlighting the complex relationship between authenticity and streamer identity.

The U.S. is launching “Project ATOM,” a strategic initiative to regain leadership in open-source AI amid growing competition from China, particularly Alibaba’s Qwen models. This U.S.-based non-profit AI lab will develop freely accessible AI models, supported by over 10,000 GPUs. Backed by industry leaders, the project addresses concerns about the U.S.’s lagging open-source contributions, highlighted by the dominance of Chinese-developed open-source LLMs. Project initiator Lambert emphasizes the need for coordination and funding, warning of potential U.S. decline in global AI influence if the initiative fails.

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