Nvidia Develops Location Tracking for AI Chips to Curb Smuggling to China
Nvidia has quietly demonstrated new software capable of geolocating its AI chips, a MOVE aimed at preventing smuggling to restricted markets like China. The optional system measures communication latency between chips and company servers to estimate physical location—a technique akin to standard IP geolocation methods used across the internet.
The feature will debut on Nvidia's Blackwell architecture chips before potentially rolling out to older Hopper and Ampere generations. Data center operators can install the software agent voluntarily to monitor GPU health, inventory, and now location—a significant enhancement given recent U.S. export controls.
This development coincides with multiple DOJ prosecutions of semiconductor smuggling networks. While Nvidia frames the technology as part of routine fleet management tools, its potential for export compliance enforcement hasn't gone unnoticed in industry circles.
