Production of 2nm wafers is set to begin next year, with TSMC gearing up four facilities in Taiwan to deliver around 60,000 wafers monthly. As TSMC hastens to adopt this new manufacturing process for major clients like Apple, a recent report indicates a serious breach: employees suspected of leaking trade secrets related to the 2nm node have been terminated and might face legal consequences.
Authorities in Taiwan are evaluating whether this data theft could affect national security, as TSMC and Samsung vie to perfect their next-generation technology. According to sources, former TSMC employees attempted to access sensitive 2nm process information while still employed. The company discovered these unauthorized activities during routine checks and swiftly terminated those involved. Given the gravity of the incident, the case is being handled under Taiwan’s National Security Act of 2022 by the High Prosecutors Office.
The Intellectual Property Branch is currently conducting further investigations to assess the breach’s extent. Though the report hasn’t disclosed which competitor might have colluded with the ex-employees, only Samsung and Rapidus are actively competing with TSMC in the 2nm realm.
China, which trails behind competitors with its leading manufacturer SMIC limited to 7nm processes due to U.S. export restrictions on newer machinery, stands to gain significantly from such leaks. However, until more is revealed, conclusions remain speculative. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as more information becomes available.
