TSMC Terminates Employees for Allegedly Leaking Trade Secrets on Advanced 2nm Process Development, Case Treated as National Security Threat

The anticipated large-scale production of 2nm wafers is set to commence next year at TSMC, which plans to operate four facilities in Taiwan with an expected output of approximately 60, 000 wafers each month. As the prominent Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer accelerates the transition to this cutting-edge fabrication process to meet the demands from high-profile customers such as Apple, troubling allegations have emerged. Reports indicate that several employees suspected of leaking critical trade secrets related to the 2nm node have not only been terminated but may also face serious legal repercussions.

Potential National Security Risks from 2nm Data Theft

According to unnamed sources cited by Nikkei, certain former TSMC employees attempted to breach confidential data regarding the 2nm manufacturing process while still on the payroll. TSMC discovered these ‘unauthorized activities’ during routine audits, leading to the immediate dismissal of all involved parties. The highly sensitive nature of this incident has prompted Taiwan’s High Prosecutors Office to handle the matter under the National Security Act of 2022.

The ongoing inquiry is being led by the Intellectual Property Branch of the division, tasked with assessing the scope and implications of the breach. However, the investigation has not yet revealed which competitors or nations may have colluded with the former TSMC staff to obtain highly coveted information about the 2nm technology. It’s worth noting that TSMC’s chief rivals, Samsung and Rapidus, are also in the race to develop their versions of this advanced technology.

Meanwhile, China’s semiconductor sector remains at a disadvantage, primarily due to restrictions imposed by U. S.export controls, which have limited its largest chip producer, SMIC, to the 7nm process using older DUV equipment. Should this sensitive information fall into the hands of Chinese entities, it could significantly alter the competitive landscape. Nonetheless, speculations should be treated with caution, and we will keep our audience informed about further developments as they unfold.

News Source: Nikkei Asia

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