HDC To Keep Hikvision CCTV Cameras Despite Security Concerns

Harborough District Council says it will not be replacing its Hikvision CCTV cameras, despite concerns raised over the manufacturer’s links to the Chinese state.

Councillor Simon Whelband had called for their removal and replacement on security grounds, but the council says a review – including government guidance and advice from its ICT team – found the risk to be minimal.

While a wider review of CCTV across the district is under way, the authority says the on-street cameras in Market Harborough and Lutterworth will only be replaced when they reach the end of their working life, due to the cost of early removal.

The government banned Hikvision equipment from ‘sensitive sites’ in 2022 and some councils have also removed cameras.

Cllr Whelband told HFM he was disappointed with HDC’s stance:

CCTV

Hikvision said its products were “demonstrably not a national security threat”.

In a statement the firm said: “Hikvision’s products are subject to strict security requirements and are compliant with the applicable laws and regulations in the UK.

“The company is committed to upholding the highest industry standards and we take all reports regarding human rights very seriously.”