Canada Orders Chinese Surveillance Camera Company To Cease Operations In The Country

The Canadian government ordered the Chinese surveillance camera company Hikvision to close operations in the country on Friday. The Industry Minister, Melanie Joly, said the decision was made over national security concerns.

According to Joly’s public statement, the government has determined that the activities of Hikvision—also known as Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd.—could pose a threat to Canada’s national security.

“This determination is the result of a multi-step review that assessed information and evidence provided by Canada’s security and intelligence community,” wrote the minister. “The Government of Canada is prohibiting the purchase or use of Hikvision products in government departments, agencies, and crown corporations.”

Joly added that the Canadian government is reviewing existing property and welcomed foreign investment that doesn’t compromise the country’s national security. The minister did not disclose more details on how the company has been threatening national security.

According to Reuters, the United States has already issued multiple sanctions and restrictions against Hikvision in the past few years, due to the company’s use of equipment and its alleged involvement in human rights abuses. Hikvision has been previously reported for documenting abuse against muslim communities in China’s Xinjiang region.

Hikvision expressed its discontent with the Canadian government’s decision.

“We strongly disagree with this decision and view it with deep concern, as we believe it lacks a factual basis, procedural fairness, and transparency,” said a spokesperson from Hikvision to Reuters. “Instead of evaluating our technology on its cybersecurity merits, the decision appears to be driven by the parent company’s country of origin, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and an unjustified bias against Chinese companies.”

The company urged the Canadian government to consider facts and a transparent environment.

Hikvision has also faced recent cybersecurity challenges. A few months ago, the FBI warned about a malware known as HiatusRAT targeting Chinese camera manufacturers. The agency mentioned Hikvision and Xiongmai among the companies with vulnerabilities exploited by malicious actors.