Chinese spy fears on our city’s streets

ARE Gold Coasters under surveillance by Chinese Government agents every time they walk down Cavill Mall or walk and drive around the Glitter Strip’s streets?

That is a question bothering some in the wake of bans imposed by the US on two Chinese companies that make CCTV cameras, in the wake of allegations of spying.

Gold Coast authorities have yet to act on concerns that the Chinese-made CCTV cameras among the city’s security network could be hacked to allow Chinese Government surveillance.

City council cameras include devices made by one of the two Chinese companies whose products are now banned in the US.

The Federal Government has also removed a number of CCTV cameras manufactured by Chinese companies Hikvision and Dahua, but is yet to warn state and local governments against using them.

A council spokesman said the city had a “comprehensive cyber security program’’ that was reviewed regularly.

The Bulletin sent questions about the cameras to the Australian Defence Department on September 17, but there has been no response other than a brief comment from a spokesman who said the questions were being “followed up”.

The US Government banned its agencies from using cameras made by Hikvision, which is 42 per cent owned by the Chinese Government, and the privately owned Dahua, after allegations of foreign espionage.

Experts say most of the security cameras used in Australia are made by Hikvision and Dahua, the world’s largest and second-largest camera surveillance companies. A city council spokesman confirmed it uses “a small number” of cameras made by one of the two companies.

“These cameras function as a stand-alone tool and are not connected to other city infrastructure or networks,” he said.

“Again, we have not received any direct advice from the Federal Government regarding concerns about any CCTV products. The city has a comprehensive cyber security program in place that is reviewed regularly to ensure a high level of protection.”

Hikvision and Dahua have denied the claims, saying they have not and would not carry out espionage-related activities for the Chinese or any other government.

But cyber security expert Fergus Hanson told the ABC the cameras could be remotely accessed to allow the Chinese Government to spy.