The Scotsman

Ban on Chinese surveillan­ce cameras

- By DAVID HUGHES

Government department­s have been ordered to stop installing surveillan­ce cameras made by Chinese firms on "sensitive sites" due to security concerns.

The order applies to "visual surveillan­ce systems" made by firms subject to China's national security law, which requires companies to co-operate with Beijing's security services.

Whitehall ministries have been told existing equipment should not be connected to department­al core networks and considerat­ion should be given to removing it entirely.

The shift in policy was announced by Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden and follows concern in Westminste­r about the use of Chinese-made equipment.

Mr Dowden told MPS: "The government security group has undertaken a review of the current and future possible security risks associated with the installati­on of visual surveillan­ce systems on the government estate.

"The review has concluded that, in light of the threat to the UK and the increasing capability and connectivi­ty of these systems, additional controls are required.

"Department­s have therefore been instructed to cease deployment of such equipment on to sensitive sites, where it is produced by companies subject to the national intelligen­ce law of the People's Republic of China.

"Since security considerat­ions are always paramount around these sites, we are taking action now to prevent any security risks materialis­ing."

Mr Dowden said "no such equipment should be connected to department­al core networks".

 ?? ?? ↑ Chinese surveillan­ce cameras to be banned
↑ Chinese surveillan­ce cameras to be banned

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