2-nanometer technology: Engineers allegedly stole TSMC secrets
A potential security crisis is brewing in Taiwan. Former TSMC engineers are alleged to have misappropriated trade secrets.
(Image: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)
The Taiwanese public prosecutor's office is currently investigating several former engineers of the world's largest chip contract manufacturer, TSMC. The accusation is that they may have stolen trade secrets relating to TSMC's most modern production process from the 2-nanometer generation (N2). N2 production is just starting up.
The accusation was first reported by the Nikkei Asia news agency based on official statements and sources close to the company. The website of the public prosecutor's office is currently unavailable. Other media are providing additional details. According to the report, three of the six suspects are currently in custody.
Photographed in the home office
The public prosecutor's office searched workspaces and private homes at the end of July. The suspicion arose after TSMC noticed “unusual access patterns to internal files” by an employee, according to the public prosecutor's office. At least two of the suspects were allegedly still working at TSMC at the time of the suspected data theft. The chip manufacturer subsequently dismissed them.
According to the Taiwanese United Daily News (UDN), the suspects used home office facilities to access the internal TSMC network. Using smartphones, they are said to have photographed confidential information on production technology. Employees are not allowed to carry mobile devices in the TSMC plants themselves.
Investigations are currently underway into the extent of the alleged theft, what the motive was, and whether the trade secrets were shared with third parties.
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Crimes against national security
TSMC's manufacturing technology has been classified as “national critical core technology” in Taiwan since 2022. The expanded security law came after Chinese companies aggressively poached TSMC employees.
Taiwan wants to protect itself against industrial espionage so that no trade secrets are leaked to China, South Korea, or other countries. Chinese companies, such as SMIC and Huawei in particular, are trying to build up domestic semiconductor plants with modern technology at a rapid pace.
The heavily promoted semiconductor expertise is part of Taiwan's defensive shield against a possible Chinese attack, as companies and governments around the world rely on chips from Taiwan and would intervene if necessary.
(mma)
