Worried About Security Factors, The UK Is Prohibited From Government Buildings Using Chinese-made CCTV Cameras

Illustration of CCTV cameras. (Unsplash/Michamenz Jakubowski)

JAKARTA - The British government on Thursday asked its department to stop installing Chinese-made CCTV cameras in sensitive buildings, citing security risks.

The decision comes after a review of "possibly the current and future security risks, related to the installation of a visual surveillance system in government-owned areas," cabinet office minister Oliver Dowden said in a written statement to parliament.

"The review has concluded, given the threat to Britain and the increased capabilities and connectivity of this system, additional controls are needed," Dowden said.

UK directives apply to cameras made by companies subject to Chinese security laws, including guidance for departments to cut off the device's connection from the core computer network, considering removing everything.

It comes months after dozens of lawmakers called for a ban on the sale and use of security cameras made by Hikvision and Dahua, two state-owned Chinese companies, out of fear of privacy and concerns about company products related to human rights abuses.

The majority of British public bodies use CCTV cameras made by Hikvision or Dahua, the privacy advocacy group Big Brother Watch said in July.

A number of government departments including the Ministry of Home Affairs and Business installed visible Hikvision cameras used in front of their buildings, the group said.

Dowden's statement said that following a government review: "Therefore, the department has been instructed to stop the deployment of the equipment to sensitive sites, where the equipment is produced by companies subject to the National Intelligence Act of the People's Republic of China."

"Because security considerations are always prioritized around this site, we are taking action now to prevent security risks," he explained.

The UK Hikvision and Dahua offices did not immediately respond to emails from Reuters seeking comment.

Separately, the United States has imposed trade restrictions and use for cameras made by Hikvision, Dahua and other Chinese companies.