Photo courtesy of Yonhap News

 

 

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] TAIPEI, August 5, 2025 — Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has dismissed multiple employees suspected of illegally acquiring confidential information related to its cutting-edge 2-nanometer (nm) semiconductor technology, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.



The employees are believed to have accessed and potentially leaked sensitive data regarding the development and manufacturing of TSMC’s 2nm process technology, which is considered critical for next-generation high-performance chips, including those used in artificial intelligence (AI) applications. TSMC has reportedly achieved a yield rate exceeding 90% for its 2nm process, highlighting its technical maturity.



A TSMC spokesperson stated, “We identified misconduct through routine monitoring and confirmed the potential leakage of trade secrets. Disciplinary action has been taken, and legal proceedings have been initiated against the involved individuals.”



While TSMC has not disclosed the specific details of the leaked technology or how the information was intended to be used, it confirmed that an internal investigation is underway to determine whether additional employees were involved or if the data was shared with outside parties. “As the matter is under judicial review, we are unable to provide further details at this time,” the company said.



Taiwan’s High Prosecutors Office declined to comment on the case.



This incident has raised concerns over national security, as TSMC’s 2nm chips are slated to enter mass production later this year. The alleged actions may fall under Taiwan’s revised National Security Act, which was amended in 2022 to combat economic espionage and enhance protection of critical semiconductor technologies. The law allows for espionage charges in cases involving the unauthorized acquisition, use, or disclosure of national core technologies.

 

 

 

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