US think tank warns of espionage risks in Chinese-made LiDAR sensors
The Democracy Defense Foundation warned that Chinese-made LiDAR sensors in US military and critical infrastructure could enable cyberattacks and espionage by Beijing. The report recommended Congress ban procurement of Chinese LiDAR for defence equipment and work with allies to develop alternative supply chains.
What happened
The Democracy Defense Foundation published a report on December 2, 2024, warning that Chinese-made LiDAR sensors installed in US military and critical infrastructure equipment could enable cyberattacks and espionage.
The report states that LiDAR sensors connected to the internet typically use advanced processors that can conceal difficult-to-detect malicious code or firmware backdoors, and that satellite laser systems could trigger or disable such sensors in seconds across large US territories.
LiDAR manufacturer Hesai Technology was placed on a Chinese military-linked enterprises list in early 2024 and faced allegations that its laser optical sensors could be used to collect sensitive US data.
Reported impact
The report warns that Chinese military and intelligence agencies could use Chinese-made LiDAR systems for espionage and data acquisition from the US military, similar to how contaminated telecommunications equipment from Huawei was exploited.
Index analysis
LiDAR is widely used in automotive driver-assistance systems and critical infrastructure like ports to enable crane automation. The US military is considering applying the technology to autonomous military vehicles.
Chinese companies are rapidly consolidating control of the global LiDAR market, and Chinese sensors are already widely deployed in civilian and military networks worldwide, including in the US.
Governance controls
The report recommends Congress enact legislation to prohibit procurement of Chinese LiDAR sensors for defense equipment and that state governments ban use of such products in critical infrastructure.
The US Department of Commerce's Industrial and Security Bureau proposed a rule in late September 2024 to prohibit sales or imports of connected vehicles using specific China and Russia-related vehicle connection systems and autonomous driving systems, though the report notes this rule does not explicitly cover LiDAR systems or uses beyond vehicles.
The report suggests US policymakers coordinate with Germany, Canada, South Korea, Israel and Japan to establish alternative LiDAR supply chains.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.