Core Viewpoint - Several former TSMC employees are suspected of attempting to obtain key information related to the development and production of the advanced 2nm technology, leading to strict disciplinary actions and legal proceedings by TSMC [2][4]. Group 1: Incident Details - TSMC discovered unauthorized behavior during routine monitoring, which indicated potential commercial secret leaks [4]. - The case has garnered significant attention due to TSMC's 2nm chip production technology being the most advanced globally, with mass production expected to begin later this year [4][6]. - The investigation is ongoing to determine the specific use of the information sought, whether it has been leaked, the extent of the leak, and if others are involved [5]. Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Context - The case falls under the scope of Taiwan's National Security Law, which aims to prevent sensitive technology from flowing abroad, particularly in the semiconductor industry [6]. - The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office confirmed that this is the first case investigated under this law involving core key technology business secrets [6]. - Prosecutors have applied for detention orders for three involved individuals, which have been approved [6]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The development of smaller semiconductor processes is increasingly complex and costly, with TSMC planning to launch its 2nm technology by the end of this year [6]. - Currently, only TSMC, Samsung, Intel, and Rapidus are actively developing such advanced technologies, while other chip manufacturers have exited the competition [6]. - TSMC's chairman and CEO, C.C. Wei, emphasized that the company's technology is difficult to replicate due to the complex expertise and extensive experience accumulated in production and R&D [6].
台积电2纳米关键技术恐外泄,已开除涉案人员