Hesai Technology, a Shanghai-based manufacturer of lidar sensors, was blacklisted as a national security threat in 2024 by the U.S. Department of Defense, which designated Hesai as a Chinese military entity.
Despite being on the blacklist, U.S. companies can use Hesai's technology, and the company is expanding its presence in the U.S., including through a partnership with Nvidia.
Researchers and critics told CNBC that lidar can be compromised using malware, with serious consequences.
David Li, Hesai's co-founder and CEO, says his company does not work for the Chinese military and its products are safe.
