Intel Takes Flak for Testing a Tool From a Sanctioned Company

Intel just had a bumpy week in the headlines. Reports indicate the company may have tested a wet-etching tool from a sanctioned company. Its CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, is also attracting attention for investing in tech companies that interact with Intel, with a New York Times report exploring his priorities as an executive and a private investor. Meanwhile, Intel was among several chipmakers (including AMD and Texas Instruments) accused of allowing chips to end up in Russian weapons, according to Bloomberg.

As Tom's Hardware notes, Intel reportedly tested a wet-etching tool from ACM Research. By itself, testing hardware isn't newsworthy, particularly when the tool in question is just one of many for a project. (Wet etching is a chemical process for removing material from wafers.) Intel was reportedly testing the wet etching tool for use in its 14A process, which is expected to debut in a couple of years ...