US government lab is probing Chinese lidar for security vulnerabilities
The security review is being performed by the Idaho National Laboratory, and the research is being funded by a company -- or a group of companies -- in the electric and autonomous vehicle industries.
The Idaho National Laboratory is examining whether Chinese lidar sensors could pose a security risk if adopted widely by vehicles in the United States, according to reports. Funded by companies in the electric and autonomous vehicle industries, the lab's review aims to identify potential vulnerabilities in Chinese-made lidar technology.
While the specific companies involved have not commented, Senator Tammy Baldwin and Congressman John Moolenaar have voiced concerns over the potential for Chinese lidar to be used for military or industrial espionage. Omer Keilaf, CEO of Israeli lidar company Innoviz, highlighted two main cybersecurity risks: the potential for widespread sensor disablement and the risk of transmitting detailed data collected by lidar to China.
The cost of lidar has dropped significantly in recent years, making Chinese suppliers a more attractive option for U.S. companies. As a result, several automakers are considering using Chinese lidar sensors, with Rivian reportedly exploring the possibility of developing its own sensors in the U.S. to reduce reliance on Chinese technology.
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