Apple Supplier TSMC Fires Employees Over Alleged 2nm Chip Secrets Theft [Report]

Apple supplier TSMC has fired several employees for attempting to obtain sensitive information about its cutting-edge 2-nanometer chip technology, according to a new report from Nikkei Asia. The world's leading chipmaker has initiated legal action over the matter, which is now being investigated by prosecutors in Taiwan under the country's National Security Act.

The report says three suspects, including two current employees and one former employee, have been detained. In a statement, Taiwan's High Prosecutors Office said TSMC discovered that its "national core technology trade secrets had been allegedly illicitly obtained by a former employee in collusion with current employees." The Intellectual Property Branch is now investigating the motives and scope of the leak.

This is the first significant case involving chip technology to be investigated under Taiwan's 2022 National Security Act, which is designed to protect critical technologies including any chip process more advanced than 14nm. The 2nm process is the most advanced in the world and is expected to power future generations of Apple's A-series and M-series processors for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. TSMC has been aggressively expanding its manufacturing in the U.S. and has also unveiled its roadmap for even more advanced 1.4nm chip production.


In response to questions from Nikkei Asia, TSMC said it detected "unauthorized activities during routine monitoring" that led to the discovery of potential trade secret leaks. The company took "strict disciplinary actions against the personnel involved and has initiated legal proceedings." It declined to specify the exact technology involved.

"TSMC maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any actions that compromise the protection of trade secrets or harm the company's interests," the company told Nikkei Asia. "Such violations are dealt with strictly and pursued to the fullest extent of the law."

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