Intel hits back at China's accusations it bakes in NSA backdoors

Chipzilla says it obeys the law wherever it is, which is nice

Intel has responded to Chinese claims that its chips include security backdoors at the direction of America's NSA.

The accusations were made earlier this week from industry group the Cybersecurity Association of China (CSAC) which alleged Chipzilla had embedded a backdoor "in almost all" of its CPUs since 2008 as part of a "next-generation security defense system."

The association also claimed Intel's products often include exploitable vulnerabilities and have high failure rates.

"Intel's major defects in product quality and security management show its extremely irresponsible attitude towards customers," alleged the group.

The CSAC called for a cybersecurity review of Intel's products in China to protect national security and consumer rights, given Intel's dominant market share. A quarter of Chipzilla's revenue last year came from the Middle Kingdom.

On Thursday, Intel took used its account on Chinese social network WeChat account to say:

We have noted the relevant media reports.

As a multinational company with nearly 40 years of operations in China, Intel strictly abides by the laws and regulations applicable to its business locations.

Intel always puts product safety and quality first and has been actively working with customers and the industry to ensure product safety and quality. We will maintain communication with relevant departments to clarify relevant questions and demonstrate our firm commitment to product safety and quality.

Which responds to the claims of vulnerabilities and poor quality, but doesn't quite address the backdoor allegations – unless Intel means to say backdooring its products for Uncle Sam would break Chinese law, and it's not breaking any laws.

Also on Thursday, China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) turned to its WeChat to caution against cyber security threats.

This week the ministry has also warned that AI poses risks to state security and that an unnamed foreign entity has been illegally obtaining raw surveying and mapping data of China through a smart car collaboration with a domestic org.

The accusations follow escalating tensions between the US and China over cyber security, with the US previously accusing Chinese spies of breaching critical American infrastructure. US sanctions have also restricted the export of advanced chips to China, aimed at limiting development of Beijing's military capabilities. ®