'Have to be careful with this closed-circuit camera, especially in the toilet.'
The United Kingdom (UK) is now following the United States (US) in upholding the issue of national security risk concerns against Beijing firms by restricting the use of closed-circuit cameras from China in government buildings.
The decision was submitted by cabinet office minister, Oliver Dowden to the UK Parliament after an investigation into the current and future security risks of installing visual surveillance systems in government buildings was carried out.
He commented that the results of the investigation found that there was a risk of threats to the UK and the increased capacity and connectivity of the surveillance system, so additional controls were required.
It explains that all cameras made by the Chinese firm are subject to security laws and office guidelines require the device to be disconnected from the core computer network or removed altogether.
The investigation and decision came months after policymakers banned the sale or use of closed-circuit cameras manufactured by Hikvision and Dahua, respectively Chinese-owned firms.
The matter is a follow-up to privacy concerns and concerns about those firms that are said to be involved in human rights issues in China.
A report from the privacy rights enforcement group, Big Brother Watch last July confirmed that the majority of British government buildings use Hikvision or Dahua surveillance cameras.
In addition, the US is also said to block the trade and use of cameras made by both firms.
In the meantime, the Hikvision and Dahua offices in the UK have not issued any counter statement or reaction to the decision so far.
