"The Nvidia board is initiating an independent investigation"
Nvidia has launched an independent investigation into reports that its chief executive, Jensen Huang, was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation, as he admits to an affair.
The investigation comes after a report by The New York Times in October claimed that Huang had a close relationship with a Chinese businesswoman who allegedly passed information to the Chinese government.
The claims have raised questions about potential national security implications and whether sensitive company information could have been exposed.
The Nvidia board confirmed it was initiating an independent review, while senior Republican lawmakers on the US House of Representatives have called on Huang to brief Congress about the allegations this month.
In a statement, the board said: “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 also sought to reassure investors and the public that there was currently no indication of a security breach, adding:
“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.”
It confirmed that Huang fully supports the review and has committed to cooperating with the investigation.
Separately, Huang has addressed Nvidia employees in an internal memo, acknowledging that he had been unfaithful to his wife and apologising for the impact his actions had on his family.
In the memo, he said: “I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did.
“To my wife and family: I love you. I know an apology cannot undo what I have done.
“I hope our family will heal and that, over time, I can earn back your trust.”
Huang also addressed his responsibilities towards employees, acknowledging that his actions had affected their confidence in him.
He said those at the company “deserve better from me”, adding that he was “fully committed to Nvidia and will work to earn back your confidence”.
The investigation is expected to examine the available information surrounding the reported foreign intelligence effort, with Nvidia maintaining that it has no reason to believe its confidential information or national security interests have been compromised.
