
Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the U.S. government's secretive use of tracking devices in shipments of advanced chips believed to be at high risk of illegal transfer to China, indicating a rigorous enforcement of export restrictions on semiconductor technology [1][3]. Group 1: Tracking Devices and Enforcement - U.S. authorities have installed tracking devices in specific batches of advanced chip shipments to monitor potential illegal transfers to China, reflecting a strong commitment to enforcing export controls [1][3]. - These tracking devices, used for decades by U.S. law enforcement, are now being applied to combat illegal semiconductor transfers, particularly in shipments from manufacturers like Dell and Super Micro [3][4]. - The tracking devices can vary in size, with some being as large as smartphones, and are often hidden within the packaging of the products [4]. Group 2: Industry Reactions and Implications - Companies like Super Micro and Dell have refrained from commenting on the tracking actions, while NVIDIA and AMD have also not provided responses regarding the matter [5]. - The U.S. government has been pushing for chip companies to incorporate location verification technologies in their products to prevent illegal transfers to restricted countries [6]. - China has criticized these export restrictions as measures to hinder its rise and has expressed concerns over potential "backdoor" risks in AI chips [6]. Group 3: Historical Context and Legal Framework - The use of tracking devices by U.S. export enforcement can be traced back several decades, with legal frameworks allowing for their installation under certain conditions [7]. - There are indications that some individuals involved in the transfer of controlled chips to China are aware of the existence of these tracking devices and take precautions to check for them [7]. - Recent legal actions by the U.S. Justice Department have highlighted the scrutiny surrounding shipments containing NVIDIA chips, emphasizing the ongoing investigations into potential export violations [7].