Following claims of a foreign espionage campaign targeting Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang, an independent review is being launched by the corporation, Reuters noted on Sunday.
The NVIDIA Board is initiating an independent investigation in light of recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort.
A committee of independent directors, assisted by outside independent counsel, will oversee the investigation.
"The Board prioritizes U.S. national and economic security, which is paramount to the interests of NVIDIA and its shareholders," a statement on Nvidia's website said. "While the Board has no reason to believe that either national security or NVIDIA secrets were compromised, the Board's inquiry will examine all available information. Jensen fully supports the review and has committed to cooperating with it. The Board has confidence in Jensen and his leadership team and will provide further updates as appropriate."
Earlier this autumn, The New York Times published allegations regarding the chief executive maintaining intimate connections with a corporate leader from China suspected of supplying data to Beijing. Consequently, leading Republicans within the US House of Representatives demanded a congressional briefing from Huang before the month concludes.
Although directors currently suspect no exposure of American national security or proprietary corporate intelligence, they plan to evaluate all accessible data comprehensively.
Without hesitation, the founder is fully backing this examination. Complete cooperation with investigators was also pledged.
During a weekend publication, Axios revealed an unsent staff communication where the executive acknowledged a romantic involvement with an alleged foreign operative, accepting absolute accountability for the situation.
"I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did," Huang confessed in the unsent message reviewed by Reuters. "Leading NVIDIA is the privilege of my life. My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust. I have fallen short of that responsibility. I am fully committed to NVIDIA and will work to earn back your confidence," Huang said.
"Regarding the national security concerns raised in news reports, NVIDIA's Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation. I support the investigation and will cooperate fully. I love our country and our company, and I am committed to protecting NVIDIA and supporting America's national security."
