Beijing, China – October 16, 2024 – The Cyber Security Association of China has called for a comprehensive review of products from Intel, citing ongoing cybersecurity vulnerabilities and elevated failure rates that threaten national security and consumer rights.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the association pointed to multiple security flaws in Intel’s CPUs identified since 2024, including vulnerabilities known as GhostRace, NativeBHI, and Indirector. These issues have raised significant concerns about the quality and security management of Intel’s products.
The association criticized Intel’s response to these vulnerabilities, describing the company’s actions as “irresponsible toward its customers.” Additionally, it accused Intel of utilizing remote management features to surveil users and covertly installing backdoors, which pose serious threats to network and information security.
With nearly 25% of Intel’s global revenue—over $50 billion—derived from the Chinese market, the association stressed the importance of accountability. “Intel has made substantial profits in China, but it continues to engage in actions that harm China’s interests and threaten national security,” the statement read.
These allegations come in the context of the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to limit China’s semiconductor industry. Intel has positioned itself as a major beneficiary of this legislation and has taken a firm stance on sensitive issues related to China to align with U.S. government interests.
Following the announcement, Intel’s stock price in the U.S. fell more than 3% before the market opened, reflecting investor concern over the potential impact of these allegations on the company’s business in China. As the situation develops, Intel may face increasing scrutiny regarding its practices and product safety in one of its largest markets.