Shanghai Yitu Network Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Yitu Technology, is a Chinese artificial intelligence company that develops and markets AI applications, with a particular specialization in computer vision and facial recognition. Founded in 2012, Yitu has an extensive presence in the security, finance, transportation, and healthcare sectors. 

Corporate information: Yitu is headquartered in Shanghai. Leo Zhu and Lin Chenxi founded the company, and its investors have included Sequoia Capital, Hillhouse Capital, and ICBC. In 2021, Yitu withdrew its IPO application in Shanghai and announced plans to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. 

Products and services

Yitu's offerings are based on advanced AI algorithms. Key products include "Dragonfly Eye" facial recognition software used by Chinese public security bureaus. Yitu's facial recognition technology has received international recognition. The company has also developed its own AI chips and provides innovative city solutions for urban management and traffic detection. In healthcare, Yitu developed an automated system for chest CT scans during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also offer innovative retail solutions for the commerce sector. 

Controversies

Yitu has faced international scrutiny and U.S. sanctions due to its involvement in AI surveillance. In 2019, the U.S. added Yitu to its Entity List over alleged human rights abuses related to the surveillance of Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. The U.S. Treasury Department and Department of Defense have also placed Yitu on blocklists related to Chinese military-industrial complex companies. The U.S. Treasury stated that Yitu developed facial recognition technology used for identifying Uyghurs and exports its surveillance technology to foreign law enforcement.