Canada kicks out Chinese surveillance giant Hikvision over national security threat
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced that the decision was announced late on Friday, June 27, and that the movement followed an official national security examination under the Investment Canadian Law. The investigation included intelligence and security assessments provided by Canadian national agencies.
“The government has determined that Hikvision Canada Inc.’s ongoing operations in Canada will harm Canada’s national security.”
Officially Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd. Hikvision, known as, is one of the world’s largest surveillance cameras and relevant equipment manufacturers. Since 2014, the company has been operating in Canada through a side organization.
The decision comes in the midst of the increasing international story investigation. In the allegations rejected by the United States, England and Australia, Beijing, he had previously imposed sanctions or restrictions on the claims that technology was used under the supervision of Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang region of China. Great retailers such as Best Buy and Home Depot stopped selling Hikvision products at an early date like 2021.
Although the Canadian authorities did not explain a special threat that triggered this examination, the investment law allows Otawa to research and prevent Otawa research and preventing foreign investments that pose potential risks for national security. In a statement published on Saturday, the government’s decision, “he did not participate strongly,” he said. “Instead of evaluating our technology on cyber security values, the decision is directed by the main company’s origin country and reflected an unfair prejudice against wider geopolitical tensions and Chinese companies.”
Hikvision added that he had fully cooperated with the Canadian officials and presented all the requested documents.
In addition to the closure order, Minister Joly said that the federal government would ensure that departments, agencies and crown companies do not buy or use the following Hikvision equipment. In addition, it has announced a gradual review of government buildings to identify any old Hikvision devices.
“I strongly recommend the Canadians to note this decision and take their own decisions accordingly, Jol Jolly added.
The Chinese Embassy in Otawa has not yet commented on the decision.
