Review Of CCTV Cameras Amid Security & Ethical Concerns

Harborough District Council is to review the use of CCTV cameras made by a company with links to the Chinese government.

It follows security and ethical concerns raised about Hikvision, which manufactured the cameras in use in public areas of Market Harborough and Lutterworth.

The company has faced accusations linking its technology to the oppression of Uyghurs in China and the government’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee published a report which stated that: ‘equipment manufactured by companies such as Hikvision should not be permitted to operate within the UK.’

Hikvision say its products are subject to strict security requirements.

Some councils have replaced cameras made by the company and district councillor Simon Whelband thinks the same should happen here:

The cameras are in use in Market Harborough & Lutterworth

A Harborough District Council spokesperson said: “The council takes all matters of security and of an ethical nature seriously.

“We will conduct a review of our use of Hikvision cameras and will liaise with our supplier, other councils and appropriate bodies to consider and inform our approach.”

A Hikvision spokesperson told HFM: “As a manufacturer, Hikvision has always been clear that the company and our products can be of great benefit to the UK and are demonstrably not a national security threat.

“Hikvision’s products are subject to strict security requirements and are compliant with the applicable laws and regulations in the UK.

“As a global leader in video security, the company is committed to upholding the highest industry standards and we take all reports regarding human rights very seriously”