UK urges to disconnect Chinese security cameras in government buildings

The British government banned the installation of Chinese-linked security cameras at sensitive facilities due to security risks.

Reuters reports that the British government ordered its departments to stop installing Chinese security cameras at sensitive buildings due to security risks. The Government has ordered departments to disconnect the camera from core networks and to consider removing them.

“The decision comes after a review of “current and future possible security risks associated with the installation of visual surveillance systems on the government estate,” cabinet office minister Oliver Dowden said in a written statement to parliament.” states Reuters.

The security cameras of the two Chinese firms are widely adopted by a number of government departments, including the interior and business ministries.

Dowden pointed out that the surveillance cameras must be carefully scrutinized because of their capability and connectivity of these systems.

“The 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,” Dowden said. “Departments have therefore been instructed to cease deployment of such equipment onto sensitive sites, where it is produced by companies subject to the National Intelligence Law of the People’s Republic of China.”

The risk is related to the use of security cameras manufactured by Chinese-owned companies Dahua and Hikvision. Both companies are also on the Covered List maintained by the the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The Covered List, published by Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau published, included products and services that could pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons.

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Pierluigi Paganini

(SecurityAffairs – hacking, security cameras)

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