CHINESE SPYVERSE

China can potentially use its surveillance cameras to gather sensitive information. The West was the first to raise alarm and take action. India, too, needs to step up vigilance and block spying possibilities

The West’s war against Chinese CCTVs UNITED STATES

Under National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA), 2019, US department of commerce places Hikvision, Dahua, Huawei, ZTE Corp and Hytera on an ‘Entity List’ along with 26 other Chinese entities, prohibiting US-based businesses from exporting their products to them

In Nov. 2019, President Trump signs order prohibiting US firms and individuals from investing in Chinese firms with links to its military

In Mar. 2021, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) puts 5 Chinese firms among entities deemed national security threats

In Oct. 2021, US legislature passes Secure Equipment Act prohibiting FCC to authorise such companies. FCC implements it in Nov. 2022

UNITED KINGDOM

Leaked CCTV footage in June 2021 shows then health secretary Matt Hancock kissing an aide. The scandal forces Hancock to resign. Hikvision cameras were reportedly used inside his office, raising concerns of a China hand in the leak

In Nov. 2022, the UK instructs government departments to stop installing Chinese CCTVs in sensitive sites. The order targets firms like Hikvision, Dahua and Huawei

Most of the nation’s police force is found to be using Chinese surveillance cameras

AUSTRALIA

In February 2022, Australia decides to remove Chinesemade surveillance equipment from defence sites, citing security fears