The UK Government has made substantial progress in removing China’s Hikvision surveillance cameras from sensitive sites, with over 50% of these devices already replaced, according to a report by the UK Defense Journal, citing a letter from Lord Coaker to Lord Alton of Liverpool.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure full removal by April 2025 amid growing concerns about the security risks posed by Chinese-made technology in government buildings, the report said.
In a letter addressed to Lord Alton of Liverpool, Lord Coaker outlined the government’s initiative to phase out Chinese surveillance equipment, particularly focusing on Hikvision systems.
He said that this move is part of a broader effort to mitigate national security risks associated with Chinese technology. Lord Coaker confirmed that over half of the affected sites, which represent a small fraction of sensitive locations, have already replaced these surveillance systems.
The Cabinet Office is spearheading the removal process, aiming to replace 70% of the remaining sites’ equipment by autumn. Lord Coaker assured that the majority of sensitive sites never deployed such systems, and only a small number have required their removal.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all such devices are removed by April 2025, stating, “Work is pressing ahead to remove the remaining devices.”
However, the security concerns extend beyond surveillance equipment. Lord Coaker’s letter also addressed potential risks posed by electric and connected vehicles, particularly those manufactured in China.
He clarified that while the focus has often been on Chinese-made technology, the security risks apply to specific on-board systems found in a variety of vehicles, not solely 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 explained.
The UK Government is actively collaborating with national technical authorities, including the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), to address these vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, Lord Coaker highlighted international cooperation on this issue, noting that the Department for Transport co-chairs the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) group responsible for vehicle cybersecurity regulations.
These regulations aim to mitigate cyber threats by enforcing stringent standards on vehicle construction, threat monitoring, and response to potential cyber-attacks.
Security Concerns Over China-Made CCTV Cameras
The use of China-made CCTV cameras has become a particularly sensitive issue in the UK following recent government warnings about Chinese espionage.
In April, two individuals were charged under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly providing classified information to the Chinese government. This comes on the heels of last year’s discovery that Chinese spies were targeting British officials in a sophisticated operation.
The UK government banned the use of Hikvision cameras at “sensitive” sites in 2022. Hikvision, the world’s largest CCTV manufacturer, is subject to China’s National Intelligence Law, which requires Chinese citizens and organizations to cooperate with the country’s intelligence services.
This law has raised major concerns in the UK, as companies like Hikvision may be obligated to share data with the Chinese government if requested.
In addition to banning the installation of Hikvision technology at sensitive sites, UK government departments were directed to disconnect any existing equipment from core networks, with further consideration given to removing the technology entirely.
The government’s decisive actions reflect growing unease over the security implications of using Chinese-made surveillance technology.
This issue is not confined to the UK. In 2019, the United States placed Hikvision and other Chinese companies on a trade blacklist, banning them from importing US technology over similar espionage concerns.
Beyond espionage, Hikvision has also faced accusations of human rights abuses. The company has been linked to surveillance operations for the Chinese government in Xinjiang, where the persecution of the Uyghur minority has been widely documented.
That being said, Hikvision, whose largest shareholder is the state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, has denied involvement in human rights abuses and claims to take these issues seriously.
Despite these controversies, Hikvision’s financial performance in the UK has grown significantly. Recent filings revealed that the company’s direct sales to UK and Irish customers surged to £32.6 million in 2023, more than double the previous year’s figure.
Overall revenue, which includes direct sales and technical support, also rose by 22%, reaching £50.8 million. This sales growth occurred despite the government ban on using surveillance equipment from companies that could be compelled to share data with Beijing under China’s National Intelligence Law.
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