The UK government has removed over half of the Chinese camera maker Hikvision’s surveillance cameras from sensitive government sites. According to a report by the UK Defence Journal, this move addresses concerns about potential security risks associated with Chinese-made technology. In a letter, a UK minister confirmed that efforts are underway to complete the removal process by April 2025.This initiative follows growing concerns about the use of Chinese technology in government buildings, particularly surveillance equipment and electric vehicles.
The minister notes that while a small number of sensitive sites initially deployed Hikvision equipment, over 50% have now replaced it. The remaining sites are expected to have the devices removed by autumn 2024, with complete removal targeted for April 2025. He also noted that the Cabinet Office is overseeing progress to ensure departments meet this deadline.
What the UK minister said
In the letter to Lord Alton of Liverpool, UK minister Lord Coaker wrote: “The vast majority of sensitive sites did not deploy such equipment and, of the small proportion that did, over 50% of sites have now had that equipment replaced. Work is pressing ahead to remove the remaining devices with approximately 70% of sites expected to have their surveillance equipment removed by the autumn.
The potential national security risks apply to specific on-board systems and therefore these risks are not exclusive to Chinese-made vehicles, or indeed only electric vehicles. The cybersecurity regulation sets out requirements to mitigate potential threats in vehicle construction, to monitor emerging threats and to respond to cyber-attacks.”
Apart from surveillance concerns, the UK government is also addressing potential security risks associated with connected and electric vehicles, particularly those manufactured in China. However, these risks are not exclusive to Chinese-made or electric vehicles, Coaker highlighted
The primary concern lies with specific on-board systems found in various types of connected vehicles. To mitigate these risks, the government is collaborating with national technical authorities like the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to understand and address cyber vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, the UK is involved in international efforts to enhance vehicle cybersecurity. The Department for Transport also co-chairs a UN group responsible for developing international regulations on vehicle cybersecurity and software updates.
