Nvidia’s board of directors has announced an independent investigation following reports that CEO Jensen Huang was targeted in a Chinese intelligence operation.
The company confirmed the investigation on Sunday after a memo circulated among US policymakers alleged that Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based chip company Megaspeed, had been recruited by China’s Ministry of State Security to gather information on Nvidia’s chief executive.
Nvidia also published a message from Jensen Huang in which he acknowledged having an affair with a former executive at the company, although he did not identify her by name.
“I owe my family and all of you an apology,” Huang wrote. “I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry.”
Huang also acknowledged that his actions had fallen short of his responsibilities to Nvidia, apologising to employees, the board, business partners and shareholders.
“To my colleagues at NVIDIA, including those I have worked alongside for decades, and to our board, partners, and shareholders around the world: you deserve better from me,” he said.
The allegations come as competition between the United States and China over artificial intelligence continues to intensify, with advanced semiconductors becoming a major focus of national security concerns. Nvidia’s chips are particularly important in this competition, given their role in powering modern AI systems.
Huang has also maintained a close relationship with US President Donald Trump, whose administration has been closely involved in decisions surrounding advanced AI technology and semiconductor exports to China.
In its announcement, Nvidia’s board said it had no reason to believe that national security information or company secrets had been compromised. It also expressed confidence in Huang and his leadership team, confirming that the CEO fully supports the investigation and has agreed to cooperate.
The review will be conducted by independent board members with assistance from external legal counsel.
Nvidia had previously responded to reports about Huang’s relationship with Alice Huang by describing their interactions as not unusual. The company also said it does not share classified information with customers.
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Concerns about possible intelligence-gathering activities have also emerged across the wider AI industry, with companies including OpenAI warning employees to remain cautious about potential attempts by foreign actors to obtain sensitive information, including through romantic or personal relationships.
Nvidia Launches Independent Probe After Reports of China Spy Operation Targeting Jensen Huang
