UK Government Takes Action: Chinese-Made Surveillance Equipment to Be Removed from Sensitive Sites

The UK government has recently announced its commitment to remove Chinese-made surveillance equipment from sensitive central government sites to address security concerns and strengthen national defense. 

This move comes amid concerns about Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s comment that China presents the most substantial challenge to global security and prosperity today. The UK’s commitment to tackling these challenges reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding national security and preserving global stability.

Rishi Sunak Comments About China Raised Concerns 

The UK’s decision comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak labeled China as increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad during the G7 Summit held in May. The UK government pledged to publish a timeline for removing equipment produced by companies subject to China’s National Intelligence Law. 

Although specific companies have not been mentioned, the takedown is expected to include the two largest manufacturers from China, Dahua, and Hikivision.

The UK government had already taken steps to address the issue by ordering an end to new installations of Chinese-manufactured cameras in November of the previous year. 

This decision was prompted by an internal review highlighting the “current and future possible security risks” associated with the systems. 

Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden told other MPs a review has concluded that, in light of the threat to the UK and the increasing capability and connectivity of these systems, additional controls are required.

He highlighted that these concerns revolved around equipment manufactured by companies bound by China’s national intelligence law, which mandates their obligation to assist, cooperate with, and participate in national intelligence activities.

Lawmakers are pushing for a more comprehensive ban to remove pre-existing cameras from sensitive government areas completely. 

Our Cameras Has Never Been A Threat To National Security, Hikivision 

Dahua and Hikivision cameras have become widespread across the UK, used in various locations, including police stations and schools. 

In a recent chat with Channel 4 News, Hikvision said that technical analysis of their product has never indicated a threat to the national security interests of the United Kingdom. Hikvision further stressed that their cameras comply with the countries’ regulations and rules.

Notably, Hikvision was investigated in 2020, and the investigation found that the company had never knowingly been involved in human rights abuses or acted with intentional disregard for them.

However, removing these devices will not only address immediate concerns but also contribute to long-term defense strategies and enhance the overall security posture of the country.