A news item from May 2008 has emerged to bite Intel. The US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) has asked Intel to explain its dealings with Cuba, Iran and Syria.
The news item, as reported on TechSpot, stated: 'Another despised restriction on daily life in Cuba has ended, with the government recently lifting the ban on personal computer sales. . . . . . There's only one model available and from a cost-benefit point of view it'd seem like a rip-off to most people in the developed world, but it's a start nonetheless. For just under $800, buyers will get a Celeron processor, 80GB hard drive, 512MB of RAM, Windows XP, CRT monitor, and a DVD drive.'
The SEC letter to Intel stated: "We are aware of a May 2008 news report that PCs in Cuba contain your Celeron processors. Cuba, Iran, Sudan, and Syria are identified by the State Department as state sponsors of terrorism, and are subject to U.S. economic sanctions and export controls."
The letter continues. "We note that your Form 10-K does not include disclosure regarding contacts with Cuba, Iran, Sudan, and Syria. Please describe to us the nature and extent of any past, current, and anticipated contacts with the referenced countries, whether through distributors, resellers, licensees, or other direct or indirect arrangements."
The SEC letter adds: "Describe any products or technology you have provided to the referenced countries, directly or indirectly, and any agreements, commercial arrangements, or other contacts you have had with the governments of those countries or entities controlled by those governments."
Intel's reply to the SEC letter states: "Intel has no business contacts with the Subject Countries, either directly or indirectly through tacit agreement with its customers. Intel does not provide products or technology to the Subject Countries."
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