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Nvidia has opened an independent investigation into alleged foreign intelligence targeting of Jensen Huang. The inquiry intensifies scrutiny over national security, chip exports and investor confidence.
Report linked Huang to Chinese businesswoman suspected of passing information to Beijing.
Nov 9, 2026 06:13 IST
Nvidia has launched an independent investigation into whether its CEO and co-founder Jensen Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation, following a media report alleging his relationship with a Chinese businesswoman suspected of passing information to Beijing.
The chipmaker said on Sunday that a committee of independent directors, assisted by external legal counsel, would oversee the investigation. The move comes after The New York Times reported last month that Huang had a relationship with Alice Huang, a former executive of Singapore-based company Megaspeed, whom US authorities reportedly investigated and concluded was a Chinese intelligence asset.
In a message to employees, Jensen Huang admitted to being unfaithful to his wife and took full responsibility for his actions, apologising to his family and colleagues.
"My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry," he said.
Addressing employees, board members, partners and shareholders, Huang said he had fallen short of his responsibility and was committed to earning back their confidence.
"My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust. I have fallen short of that responsibility. I am fully committed to NVIDIA and will work to earn back your confidence," he said.
Nvidia said its board had no reason to believe that US national security or the company's confidential information had been compromised. However, the investigation would examine all available information.
Huang has fully supported the review and committed to cooperating with the inquiry, the company added, while reiterating that he would continue leading Nvidia without interruption.
NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS
The controversy comes amid scrutiny of Megaspeed, which purchases artificial intelligence chips from Nvidia. US authorities have examined the company over suspicions that it helped Beijing gain access to advanced AI chips restricted from being exported to China.
US export controls introduced since 2022 have sought to limit China's access to advanced Nvidia chips and the equipment required to manufacture them.
Top Republican lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have already asked Huang to brief Congress this month about the allegations raised in the New York Times report.
In a letter dated November 4, the lawmakers said the report raised "significant national security concerns" regarding China's access to sensitive US technology and information. They said Congress needed to establish whether US national security had been put at risk.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to comment on Huang when questioned by reporters on Sunday evening.
Huang, who co-founded Nvidia in 1993, said he remained committed to protecting the company and supporting America's national security.
Nvidia had earlier maintained that Huang interacts with thousands of customer executives every year and that its cloud customers in Asia receive only ordinary business information, not sensitive trade secrets or information related to US national security.
INVESTOR CONCERNS MOUNT
The investigation adds to pressure on Nvidia, which is already facing investor concerns over the sustainability of the artificial intelligence boom.
The company's market value, estimated at $4.5 trillion, has come under pressure amid a broader technology market sell-off triggered by concerns about the long-term viability of AI investments. Its shares have given up all their gains this year.
Dan Ives, partner and senior managing director at Yorkville Ives & Co, said the investigation could create additional uncertainty for investors, given Huang's central role in Nvidia's strategy and global business.
"There is clearly risk that Jensen could be removed as CEO depending on the Board investigation and this will add risk to the stock as he is so important to the Nvidia story and strategy globally," Ives said.
He described the developments as a major setback for Huang, predicting congressional inquiries and increased scrutiny of Nvidia's chip sales to China.
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