In a recent government meeting, a representative from Texas Instruments (TI) emphasized the company's strong stance against the diversion of its semiconductor products for military use, particularly in relation to Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The representative stated unequivocally that TI opposes the use of its chips in Russian military equipment and highlighted that all shipments of TI products into Russia are unauthorized and illicit.

TI ceased sales to Russia and Belarus in February 2022, prior to any regulatory requirements to do so, and has implemented rigorous measures to prevent the diversion of its products into these regions. The company screens over four million orders annually, canceling thousands that raise credible concerns about potential misuse. The representative noted that TI's global trade compliance program is central to these efforts, involving multiple layers of scrutiny throughout the ordering process.

The discussion also addressed the broader challenges of combating illicit chip diversion, as semiconductors are ubiquitous in modern technology. With over one trillion chips sold globally each year, the potential for misuse is significant, as everyday chips can be repurposed for military applications. TI is actively collaborating with government agencies, law enforcement, and non-governmental organizations to enhance its compliance efforts and share intelligence on diversion risks.

The representative concluded by reaffirming TI's commitment to preventing its products from falling into the hands of bad actors, underscoring the company's proactive approach to addressing these critical issues in the semiconductor industry.