Micron Technology: China probes US chip maker for cybersecurity risks as tech tension escalates | CNN Business

Micron Chip Maker Faces Chinese Cybersecurity Probe Amid Escalating Tech Tensions

The US-based chipmaker Micron Technology is under scrutiny from China's cybersecurity watchdog after Beijing launched a probe into the company's products sold in the country.

As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, Washington has imposed new restrictions on the sale of key technology to Beijing, including advanced semiconductor equipment. Japan also announced similar curbs on chip exports to countries including China, following similar moves by the United States and the Netherlands.

China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC) is conducting a review of Micron's products sold in the country, citing concerns over cybersecurity risks and national security. The move comes as Beijing seeks to boost growth and job creation, while also exerting pressure on foreign companies to bring them into line with its agenda.

The probe has sparked concerns among investors, with shares in Micron sinking 4.4% on Wall Street following the news, the biggest drop in more than three months. The Idaho-based company derives more than 10% of its revenue from China and had warned of such risks in an earlier filing.

Micron has stated that it is cooperating fully with the CAC and stands by the security of its products. However, the move is seen as a significant escalation in tensions between the US and China over technology exports.

China has strongly criticized restrictions on tech exports, saying last month it "firmly opposes" such measures. Beijing's efforts to woo foreign investments have been marred by a series of high-profile crackdowns on foreign companies, including the closure of a US corporate intelligence firm's office in Beijing and the suspension of Deloitte's operations for three months.

As the tech tensions between the US and China continue to intensify, Micron's case highlights the growing risks faced by Western companies operating in the region. The probe is seen as another example of China's tightening grip on foreign companies, sparking concerns among investors and policymakers alike.

this whole thing feels like a classic game of cat and mouse between two superpowers. china's trying to exert its influence over foreign companies by cracking down on cybersecurity risks, but at the same time, it's also imposing restrictions on tech exports, which is basically the opposite goal . meanwhile, micron's just stuck in the middle, trying to navigate these treacherous waters without losing its reputation or access to a huge market . it's like china's playing a high-stakes game of chess, and micron's pawns are getting caught up in the crossfire

Yooo , just saw this news about Micron chip maker getting probed by China's cybersecurity agency... like what's next? are we gonna have to choose between our laptops being super fast or our governments not messing with us online? I mean, i get it china wants to protect its own interests but this feels like a whole other level of tech cold war. And now micron's stock is taking a hit , good luck to them trying to navigate all this... anyone else think we're in for a wild ride with these US-China tech tensions?

I'm low-key worried about this... like, what's gonna happen to all the people working at Micron? They're already stressed 'cause they have to deal with these trade tensions and whatnot. And now China's investigating them for cybersecurity risks? It's all so... uncertain. I remember when Facebook had that whole Cambridge Analytica thing go down, it was like, super bad for the company's rep. Hopefully Micron can navigate this without too many hiccups . The fact that they're cooperating with China is a good sign, I guess?

Ugh this chip drama is getting outta hand Micron Tech is caught right in the middle with all these trade tensions between the US and China They're like, "Hey, we wanna do business, but also be super protective of our tech " Meanwhile, Beijing's just trying to get its hands on all that sweet chip goodness And now Micron's shares are taking a hit All these games people are playing, it's like, can't we just have a friendly trade war? No way, right?

I'm not surprised about this at all . I mean, it's been going on for years and everyone knew it was coming to a head eventually. It's like a big game of chess where everyone's trying to outmaneuver each other. The thing is, we're all the pawns in this game . China's just trying to assert its dominance and show the world that they won't be pushed around. Meanwhile, Micron's just trying to survive and make a profit . It's a tough spot for them because if they don't play ball with China, they'll lose out on a huge market. But at the same time, if they do start compromising, will it be worth sacrificing their values and integrity? I don't know, man... it's like trying to solve a puzzle with too many pieces .

aww man, this micron thingy is getting pretty intense china's all like "hey, we need to keep an eye on your tech" and the usa's all like "nah, you can't just take our chip stuff whenever you want"... it's like a big game of tech poker, where everyone's trying to outmaneuver each other meanwhile, micron's just trying to do its thing and make some chips but i guess that's hard when there's all this drama going on...

omg this is getting serious china is like totally cracking down on foreign tech companies now micron needs to be careful 'cause if they get penalized for having some chinese customers it'll set a bad precedent for all other western companies we need to be thinking about our values and making sure we're not sacrificing them for the sake of profits

idk about this probe china's just trying to protect its own interests, but it seems like they're playing hardball with micron the fact that it's a US company operating in china doesn't necessarily mean it's inherently insecure... what's the real motive here? are they worried about us exploiting their tech for our own gain or is this just another case of them being paranoid about western influence? anyway, i'm not surprised investors are freaking out - it's a classic example of supply and demand... if china wants to restrict exports, you can't blame micron for adjusting its sales strategy

OMG this is getting crazy! I feel like we're living in a bad spy novel . Micron, a major chip maker, is being probed by the Chinese government over cybersecurity risks? It's like something out of a sci-fi movie . And now, their shares are plummeting and investors are panicking .

I'm not surprised though, to be honest. We all know how tense things have been between the US and China when it comes to tech exports. It's like they're playing this big game of chicken, where one wrong move could lead to disaster . And Micron, as a major player in the industry, is caught right in the middle.

I hope Micron can navigate these waters without getting too hurt . But it's clear that China is trying to make a point here – they want foreign companies to play by their rules, and if you don't comply, there will be consequences . It's all very unsettling, but I guess that's just the world we live in today .

What do you guys think? Should Micron be worried about this probe, or is it just a bluff ? Let me know!

I just heard about this news and I'm like totally confused ... so Micron is a big company that makes chips for computers and stuff, right? And now China is investigating them because they're worried about cybersecurity risks... but isn't that like, everyone's responsibility when you're making tech products? I mean, Micron knows what they're doing and has been warning about this kind of thing in the past. It feels like China is trying to dictate how other countries can do business with them... like, isn't that kinda unfair?

Can you believe this? China's trying to "chip" away at US trade (get it?) Meanwhile, Micron's just trying to stay afloat amidst all the tech tensions It's like they say: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade... or in this case, when China launches a probe, make more cybersecurity measures ! On a serious note, though, it's crazy how fast these trade tensions are escalating. Guess you could say it's a "micro" crisis

I'm not sure if this is a good idea for Micron to be under investigation. I mean, China has already got them backtracking with their "firmly opposes" statement... It's like they're playing chicken with tech exports. On one hand, you've got the US imposing restrictions to protect national security, and on the other, China is trying to keep Western companies in line with their own agenda.

I'm worried about the impact this will have on Micron's business in China, where they get a significant chunk of revenue. It could lead to a loss of trust between the company and its Chinese customers. What if they're forced to pull out of the market or change their products to meet Beijing's standards? That'd be a disaster for investors.

At the same time, I don't want to take China's side on this one. They've got a history of cracking down on foreign companies and it doesn't exactly inspire confidence. It's like they're trying to bully Western tech giants into submission.

idk why micron would be so nervous about chinese rules, china needs more competition in their tech market, maybe micron can help them catch up? and china's doing it coz they're worried about losing market share, not because micron is inherently bad or unsecure

Wow just how high are tech tensions going?! China launching a probe into Micron's products sold in their country and Washington imposing new restrictions... Japan getting in on the action too! It's getting intense . What's next? The whole global chip supply chain gonna get messed up?!

this china thing is getting out of hand i mean dont get me wrong china has every right to look after its own interests but the way they're doing it is like they're trying to intimidate everyone into bowing down micron should be able to sell its products in china just like any other company and if china's got security concerns thats not on micros shoulders we need to calm things down and have a peaceful resolution to these tech tensions

This whole thing is just getting outta hand... Both sides are being super cautious & it's affecting all of us . I mean, Micron's been doing some business in China for a while now, so shouldn't they've seen this coming? And now the US is putting more restrictions on tech exports to China... it's like a never-ending game of chicken .

I feel bad for investors whose shares took a hit today . They're already worried enough about the global economy and now this? It just makes things more complicated. I guess we'll just have to wait & see how it all plays out . Can't help but wonder what other tech companies will be affected next .