TSMC’s Alleged 2nm Chip Technology Leak Likely Overstated, Say Industry Insiders
A recent controversy surrounding the alleged leak of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) 2-nanometer chip technology may not be as damaging as initially perceived. According to an analysis from DigiTimes, industry experts believe that the employees involved did not have access to TSMC’s most sensitive R&D data, and that the information exchanged was likely related to equipment performance rather than proprietary manufacturing processes.
The incident came to light when employees from TSMC and Tokyo Electron were discovered sharing information about TSMC’s 2nm technology. Reports suggest the TSMC employee was a factory engineer at Fab 20 in Hsinchu, a site dedicated to 2nm mass production, and may have taken photographs of control diagrams or wafer maps to assist in equipment installation. Given that Tokyo Electron is a supplier of key semiconductor manufacturing tools, including photoresist coaters and developers, the context suggests an operational rather than espionage motive.
Industry insiders argue that TSMC’s decision to terminate the employee might have been intended to set an example rather than respond to a significant intellectual property breach. Nikkei reports that Tokyo Electron has also dismissed its implicated employee, with the company stating that “no leakage of confidential information has been identified.” The matter remains under investigation under Taiwan’s national security law, which prohibits the transfer of advanced semiconductor and materials technology to restricted regions such as Hong Kong, Macau and China.
While some speculation initially pointed toward Chinese entities such as SMIC and Huawei, experts note that these companies lack the advanced fabrication equipment needed to produce chips at the 2nm scale, rendering any such leak of limited practical use. Similarly, Japan’s Rapidus, which relies on IBM’s distinct 2nm technology, would be unable to directly integrate TSMC’s processes into its operations, though the company may have an interest in monitoring TSMC’s progress.
Adding another twist, X user and researcher Dr. Kim claimed they were put on leave from TSMC over a month ago and have since been notified of pending charges in Taiwan related to leaked classified material. Dr. Kim stated they intend to travel to Korea to avoid arrest, though it remains unclear whether their situation is directly connected to the recent events.
Insiders also dismissed the possibility of Intel’s involvement, noting that the U.S. chipmaker is currently prioritizing mass production rather than next-generation 2nm development. In fact, Intel recently surprised investors by admitting difficulties with its 18A manufacturing process and suggesting it may not offer the technology to external customers.
TSMC has yet to issue a detailed public statement on the incident, but industry voices suggest the episode is more a matter of compliance and corporate discipline than a catastrophic security breach.
Do you think TSMC’s swift action was more about setting a precedent than protecting trade secrets? Share your thoughts below.
