Core Viewpoint - TSMC's advanced 2nm process technology has been compromised due to an internal leak, with over a thousand confidential images reportedly shared with TEL, a partner in Japan's semiconductor industry [2][7]. Group 1: Incident Details - A former TSMC engineer, who transitioned to TEL, allegedly colluded with two current TSMC engineers to capture and transmit sensitive 2nm process images [2][4]. - The leak was discovered when TSMC noticed unusual access patterns to confidential files, leading to an investigation that identified the involved engineers [3][7]. - TSMC has terminated the employment of the implicated engineers and is pursuing legal action, with potential severe penalties for those found guilty of organized theft of trade secrets [4][5]. Group 2: Legal and Security Implications - The engineers involved face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if found guilty of organized crime related to the theft of TSMC's core technology [4]. - TSMC has a dedicated unit for protecting proprietary information, which regularly conducts audits and training to prevent such leaks [4][5]. - The incident raises concerns about TSMC's reputation and customer trust, although immediate impacts on customer orders are not expected [4][5]. Group 3: Industry Context - The leak highlights TSMC's leading position in the global semiconductor market and suggests that competitors may resort to espionage due to their inability to keep pace with TSMC's technological advancements [5][8]. - The incident underscores the importance of robust security measures and employee training to safeguard sensitive information within the semiconductor industry [5].