The United Kingdom’s Government Security Group has instructed Departments to stop deploying some Chinese-made CCTV cameras to sensitive sites.
The instruction applies to all Chinese companies subject to the UK’s National Intelligence Law.
Speaking in Parliament, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden announced the findings of a review by the Government Security Group into the risks of surveillance cameras operating on Government property.
“The group found that with CCTV and other advanced cameras systems increasing in capabilities and connectivity, additional controls are required,” Mr Dowden said.
“Departments are also instructed to not connect visual surveillance equipment to Departmental core networks.”
He said in places where they were deployed, Departments should consider removing them, and making scheduled upgrades ahead of schedule if necessary.
“Areas where security cameras from Chinese providers are deployed that are not considered sensitive sites should also be reviewed,” Mr Dowden said.
“The Government will continue to keep this risk under review and will take further steps if and when they become necessary.”
Affected companies include Hikvision and Dahua, two of the world’s largest security camera manufacturers.
Commissioner for Biometrics and Surveillance Cameras, Fraser Sampson has called repeatedly for tighter controls, and criticised a lack of transparency by Chinese security camera providers.
Government Departments began reversing course on contracts with Hikvision earlier this year.
Mr Sampson and Government officials have also expressed concern with the camera-makers’ involvement in the repression of ethnic and religious minorities in China’s Xinjiang region.
London, 29 November 2022
