UK axes half of Chinese CCTV cameras at sensitive sites amid security concerns
- In Reports
- 05:52 PM, Oct 23, 2024
- Myind Staff
The UK Government has made significant strides in replacing Hikvision surveillance cameras from sensitive locations. According to a report by the UK Defense Journal, more than half of these cameras have already been removed, based on a letter from Lord Coaker to Lord Alton of Liverpool.
Efforts are underway to completely remove Chinese-made technology from government buildings by April 2025 due to increasing concerns about security risks. A report highlighted this initiative, and in a letter to Lord Alton of Liverpool, Lord Coaker explained that the government is working to phase out Chinese surveillance equipment, with a special emphasis on Hikvision systems.
He stated that this action is part of a larger initiative to reduce national security risks linked to Chinese technology. Lord Coaker mentioned that more than half of the affected locations, which are just a small portion of sensitive sites, have already replaced their surveillance systems. The Cabinet Office is leading the removal effort and plans to replace 70% of the remaining equipment by autumn. Lord Coaker also emphasised that most sensitive sites never used these systems, and only a few needed to have them removed.
He emphasised that the government is dedicated to removing all such devices by April 2025. “Work is pressing ahead to remove the remaining devices.” However, the security issues go beyond surveillance gear. Lord Coaker's letter also highlighted concerns about electric and connected vehicles, especially those made in China. He explained that although Chinese-made technology has frequently received attention, the security threats are present in some on-board technologies that are present in a range of automobiles, not just Chinese or electric models.
“The potential national security risks apply to specific on-board systems, and therefore, these risks are not exclusive to Chinese-made vehicles or electric vehicles,” Lord Coaker said. To address these vulnerabilities, the UK Government is working closely with national technical bodies, such as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA).
Lord Coaker emphasised the importance of international collaboration on this matter. He pointed out that the Department for Transport helps lead a UN group focused on creating vehicle cybersecurity rules. These rules are designed to reduce cyber threats by setting strict standards for how vehicles are built, how they monitor for threats, and how they respond to possible cyber-attacks.
The use of CCTV cameras made in China has become a sensitive topic in the UK due to government warnings about potential spying by China. In April, two people were charged under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly sharing classified information with the Chinese government. This situation follows last year’s revelation that Chinese spies were trying to target British officials through a complex operation.
In 2022, the UK government prohibited the use of Hikvision cameras at “sensitive” locations. Hikvision, the largest CCTV manufacturer in the world, must follow China’s National Intelligence Law, which mandates that Chinese citizens and organisations cooperate with the country's intelligence agencies. This law has caused significant worries in the UK because companies like Hikvision might have to give data to the Chinese government if asked.
The UK government has banned the use of Hikvision technology at sensitive locations. They have also instructed government departments to disconnect any existing Hikvision equipment from their main networks and are considering removing it completely. The government's strong actions show increasing concerns about the security risks of using surveillance technology made in China.
This problem isn't just happening in the UK. In 2019, the United States added Hikvision and other Chinese companies to a trade blacklist, stopping them from bringing US technology into the country due to similar worries about spying. Hikvision has been accused of human rights abuses beyond its role in espionage. The company is said to be involved in surveillance activities for the Chinese government in Xinjiang, where the Uyghur minority faces significant persecution.
Despite these allegations, Hikvision, which is primarily owned by the state-run China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, denies any involvement in human rights violations and asserts that it takes these concerns seriously. Despite the controversies surrounding it, Hikvision has seen significant growth in its financial performance in the UK. Recent reports show that the company’s direct sales to customers in the UK and Ireland reached £32.6 million in 2023, more than double the amount from the previous year.
Overall revenue, which includes direct sales and technical support, increased by 22%, totalling £50.8 million. This growth in sales happened even with the government's ban on using surveillance equipment from companies that might be forced to share data with Beijing due to China's National Intelligence Law.
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