Citing heightened national security concerns, the UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to removing Chinese-made surveillance equipment from sensitive locations by April 2025. This move aligns with a broader European trend of unease regarding potential Chinese espionage activities.
In November 2022, the British government advised against deploying visual surveillance technology manufactured by companies bound by China's National Intelligence Law in sensitive areas like government buildings and military installations. Additionally, legislators have advocated for a complete ban on the sale and use of security cameras produced by Hikvision and Dahua, two partially state-owned Chinese firms, due to privacy concerns.
Progress and Timeline
The government reports that most sensitive sites have never utilised the targeted equipment. Of the limited number of sites with the technology, approximately 50% have already implemented replacements. The remaining sites are progressing towards removal, with around 70% anticipated to be clear by October 2023 and a complete replacement deadline of April 2025.
This action comes after the UK warned last year about increased Chinese espionage operations focused on British officials in influential positions within politics, defense, and business.
"Protecting the security of UK citizens, systems, and institutions is a top priority for the government, and we have implemented numerous measures to ensure the integrity of our arrangements," the government affirmed in a statement.
