The U.K. bans Chinese cameras in state facilities over safety fears

November 28, 2022: On Thursday, the British government told its departments to stop installing Chinese-linked cameras at sensitive buildings, citing security risks.

The decision comes following a review of “current possible security risks related with the installation of surveillance systems on the government estate,” cabinet office priest Oliver Dowden added in a written statement to parliament.

“The review concludes that, in light of the threat to the U.K. and the increasing capability and connectivity of the systems, additional controls are much needed,” Dowden added.

The British directive involving cameras made by firms is subject to Chinese security laws. It includes guidance for departments to disconnect such devices from the centre’s computer networks and to consider removing them completely.

It comes months after dozens of lawmakers are known for a prohibition on the sale and usage of security cameras which makes by Hikvision and Dahua, two partly state-owned Chinese companies, over privacy fears and concerns about the companies’ products which becomes linked to human rights abuses in China.

Hikvision, in a statement to Reuters, denies the claims, which comes to the company would seek to engage with British authorities understanding the decision.

“Hikvision cannot transmit data from users to third parties, we do not manage end-user databases, selling cloud storage in the U.K.,” a company spokesperson said.

The U.S. has slapped trade and usage for cameras made by Hikvision, Dahua and different Chinese companies.

In July, most British public bodies use surveillance cameras created by Hikvision or Dahua, solitude advocacy company Big Brother Watch said.

The group added that several government departments, which include the interior and business ministries, have had Hikvision cameras in use on the front of their buildings.

Dowden’s statement followed the government review: “Departments have been instructed to cease developing such equipment onto sensitive sites, where it is gaining by companies topic to the National Intelligence Law of the Republic of China.”

“Since security considerations are paramount all over these sites, we are taking action to prevent any security risks from materialising.”