The use of Hikvision security cameras across Scotland’s public CCTV networks and various facilities has sparked considerable debate. With more than 20 local councils relying on the technology, questions have emerged about the security and ethical implications of its widespread deployment.
Hikvision’s Presence in Scottish Surveillance
Hikvision, a Chinese tech company, is a major supplier of surveillance cameras to various public institutions and businesses in Scotland. According to reports from The Times, at least 22 of Scotland’s 32 councils have integrated Hikvision cameras into their public CCTV systems. These cameras help monitor public spaces and other facilities, serving millions of residents in areas like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other major cities.
More than 1.5 million people live in the nine councils that have explicitly confirmed their use of Hikvision cameras, highlighting the scale of the company’s influence in Scottish surveillance. Despite this, some councils have taken a more cautious approach. Seven councils have denied the use of Hikvision cameras in their public CCTV networks, while three councils have firmly stated that they do not use the technology at all.
However, this leaves several councils and facilities that still rely on Hikvision equipment. Among the councils that use the technology, there remains ongoing concern about the security and potential misuse of data captured by these surveillance systems.
Police Scotland’s Relationship with Hikvision
Police Scotland, which oversees security and surveillance operations for the country’s law enforcement, has also confirmed the use of Hikvision cameras in their networks. In a statement, a Police Scotland spokesperson revealed that the organization uses components from Hikvision in “a number” of its CCTV cameras spread across various police stations and other estates.
While Police Scotland acknowledges the concerns surrounding the use of Hikvision cameras, a spokesperson emphasized that they are actively engaging with the Scottish government about the issue. The UK government had previously enacted a ban on the use of Hikvision cameras in sensitive government sites in November 2022, citing potential risks linked to the Chinese government’s access to the data captured by these cameras.
Brian Plastow, Scotland’s Biometrics Commissioner, clarified that Hikvision cameras are not under a general ban in Scotland. He noted that Police Scotland continues to receive and act on regular threat assessments from the UK’s intelligence community, ensuring that security protocols are followed to mitigate any risks.
Growing Calls for a Ban
Former UK Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner Fraser Sampson has voiced strong opposition to the continued use of Hikvision cameras, particularly in public and law enforcement settings. Sampson previously demanded answers from the company about the potential use of its cameras in Chinese internment camps in Xinjiang, as well as whether the Chinese government could access facial data from the cameras.
Sampson argued that the UK government’s decision not to impose a complete ban on Hikvision cameras used by public authorities and police stations does not imply trust in the company’s data security practices. He stressed that it’s impossible to “partly” trust a company involved in sensitive surveillance operations.
“The UK government should not overlook the potential risks of allowing a company with such close ties to the Chinese government to operate surveillance technology on our streets and in our police stations,” Sampson told The Times.
Hikvision’s Market Growth Despite Controversy
Despite the mounting scrutiny over Hikvision’s security practices, the company’s sales in the UK actually increased in 2023, following a dip in 2022. This surge in sales has reignited calls for a total ban on the company’s products, particularly in light of the ongoing controversy surrounding its ties to the Chinese government.
The UK government departments began removing Hikvision cameras in 2022, following concerns about the company’s alleged involvement in surveillance operations in Xinjiang. In 2023, Facewatch, a security firm that had previously used Hikvision cameras, ceased using its technology altogether.
Hikvision has also faced additional scrutiny in China. The company laid off 1,000 staff members in October 2023 and announced the cancellation of five surveillance contracts in Xinjiang in December. These moves are seen as part of the company’s attempt to mitigate the potential fallout from further international sanctions and government actions.
