Nvidia, the US chipmaker at the centre of the global artificial intelligence boom, has launched an internal investigation into its chief executive, Jensen Huang, following reports that he was the target of a foreign intelligence operation. The company's board announced the probe on Sunday after The New York Times reported that Huang had admitted to an intimate relationship with a business executive who, according to US intelligence, was gathering information for China.
Huang, 63, acknowledged the affair in a letter to Nvidia employees, taking "full responsibility" for his actions and apologising to his wife, family, and colleagues. He did not name the person involved or address her reported ties to Beijing. "Leading Nvidia is the privilege of my life," he wrote. "My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust. I have fallen short of that responsibility."
The board, which oversees one of the world's most valuable companies, said it has "no reason to believe" that national security or Nvidia's proprietary technology were compromised, but that a thorough review would be conducted. Huang has pledged his full cooperation.
A high-stakes investigation
The probe comes at a delicate moment for Nvidia, whose advanced chips power many of the data centres and computing systems used to train and run AI models. The company's cutting-edge semiconductors are also at the heart of US export restrictions aimed at preventing China from acquiring the latest technology. Any suggestion of espionage or compromised secrets could have far-reaching implications for both Nvidia and the broader Western tech ecosystem.
According to The New York Times, US intelligence agencies discovered that Huang had developed close ties with Alice Huang, a Chinese citizen and chip buyer who is a top executive at Megaspeed, a Singapore-based data centre operator and one of Nvidia's largest customers in Southeast Asia. The report alleges that Alice Huang was directly sharing information with Beijing.
In his letter, Huang sought to reassure employees and the public. "I love our country and our company," he wrote. "I am committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting America's national security."
US President Donald Trump, asked on Sunday whether he should have acted on the intelligence sooner, praised Huang. "I think he's an honourable guy," Trump said. "I think he probably has an excuse for it. He's done an amazing job for our country."
The investigation is likely to be closely watched in Europe, where Nvidia has been expanding its presence. The company recently showcased its AI ambitions in Berlin, with Germany positioning itself as a hub for European AI development. Huang has also spoken about Kazakhstan's potential as a future AI hub, underscoring the company's global reach.
European policymakers have been grappling with how to balance AI innovation with security concerns, particularly as Chinese investment and influence grow across the continent. The Nvidia case may add urgency to those discussions, even as the company's technology remains central to Europe's digital ambitions.
For now, the board's investigation will focus on whether Huang's personal conduct created any vulnerabilities. The outcome could shape not only Nvidia's leadership but also the broader trust that governments and corporations place in the companies driving the AI revolution.
