Chinese Made Security Cameras To Be Removed From Australian Government Buildings
Chinese-made security cameras are set to be removed from government buildings across Australia due to concerns over potential security risks. The federal government has acknowledged the need to address the issue and has launched an audit of surveillance technology used in government premises.
The recent debate over the use of closed-circuit TV (CCTV), cameras made in China, has led to the removal from state and federal buildings. The need for further regulatory measures that prioritise cybersecurity risks, national interests and resist politicisation is essential.
Chinese Made Security Cameras To Be Removed Introduction
China-made information-gathering technologies, particularly CCTV surveillance cameras, have gained significant popularity for routine video-based surveillance.
CCTV cameras are distributed in more than 200 countries by manufacturers from China such as Hikvision, Dahua and other companies.
Independent researchers found that in 2021, there were over 60,000 surveillance camera networks from both companies in Australia – 41,000 from Hikvision, and 18,000 from Dahua.
The widespread adoption of this technology has raised concerns over national security, due to possible links with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), cyber vulnerabilities, and sales to regions that have human rights violations. Most notably, Xinjiang.
In February 2023 Australians will be debating whether or not federal government agencies can use CCTV surveillance cameras manufactured in China. Similar concerns were raised in the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Shadow Cybersecurity Minister
The audit, led by shadow cybersecurity minister James Paterson, revealed that over 900 security devices manufactured by Chinese companies Hikvision and Dahua have been installed in more than 250 government buildings. These findings have raised alarms, particularly as both the United States and the United Kingdom have already banned these products from government sites due to fears of espionage and spyware.
Australia’s Defence Minister
Australia’s defence minister, Richard Marles, has confirmed the government’s commitment to removing the identified cameras. Marles emphasised that while the risk has existed for some time, the government is taking necessary steps to ensure the security of its facilities. He stated, “Where those particular cameras are found, they’re going to be removed… it’s important that we go through this exercise and make sure that our facilities are completely secure.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese added that the removal of the cameras is aligned with Australia’s national interests and is not expected to affect diplomatic relations with China. Paterson’s audit highlighted the extent of the issue, noting that the Attorney General’s Department alone uses 195 Chinese-made surveillance devices across 29 locations, with significant numbers also found in the Department of Climate Change and Energy and social services offices.
The Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial has also decided to remove several Chinese-made security cameras as a precautionary measure, following the example set by other government bodies. Concerns have been raised about the presence of these devices in sensitive areas, including the possibility of their use inside Parliament House.
The US Federal Communications Commission has labelled Hikvision and Dahua products as posing an “unacceptable risk to national security,” which has prompted swift actions in other countries. ASIO Director General Mike Burgess also expressed concerns about the potential misuse of data collected by these cameras.
Brands That Are Not Chinese & NDAA Information
Bosch Products are compliant to NDAA
Bosch is a German multinational company that specializes in engineering and technology. Its headquarters are located in Gerlingen.
Bosch referred back to a Statement confirming that their US listed product portfolio is NDAA compatible and going forward, all products produced for the U.S. Market will also be NDAA compatible.
Bosch shared , a list of products manufactured in Portugal and Mexico. Portugal and Mexico are two countries included in the Trade Act Agreement. The products listed are TAA-compliant.
Ubiquity Products are compliant with NDAA
Ubiquiti Inc., formerly Ubiquiti Networks, Inc., is an American manufacturer that produces wireless data communication products and wired devices. It was founded in San Jose, California, USA, in 2003.
Ubiquity referred a declaration confirming that most of its product portfolio is NDAA compliant.
“As per the date of this document and to Ubiquiti’s best knowledge, none of the products listed here contain or use a significant or essential component, or critical technology, produced by Huawei Technologies Company. ZTE Corporation. Hytera Communication Corporation. Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company. Dahua Technology Company. (Or any known subsidiary or affiliated of these entities.)”
Honeywell offers a mix of NDAA compliant and non-compliant products
Honeywell International Inc., a publicly traded American multinational conglomerate with headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a publicly listed American company.
Honeywell referred back to a declaration confirming that some of its product portfolio was compliant with the NDAA.
The Honeywell 30 Series cameras, 60 Series cameras and Modum IP Cameras are designed to be used as part of video system that comply with NDAA 2019 Section 889. Our MAXPRO(r), Pro-Watch(r), and ADPRO iFT/iFT E IP NVRs are also compatible with the Series 30/60/Modum cameras. They all undergo our rigorous cyber testing and don’t contain any components from the companies listed in NDAA 2019 Section 889. They can be used in conjunction with the Series 60/Modum cameras to create video systems that are compliant with NDAA 2019 Section 889″.
Panasonic iPRO products are mostly compliant to NDAA
In October 2019 i-PRO separated from Panasonic and established the Image Sensing Business.
Panasonic i-PRO did not share a public announcement on their website, nor did they provide a list NDAA-compliant products (or those that aren’t). Here are the statements that they made on different channels.
All Panasonic-branded cameras in the U.S. were designed, manufactured and tested by Panasonic. They are therefore not affected by the NDAA legislation.
We have promised to our valued partners who attended our 2019 Partner Summit that our iPRO line will be 100% non-Hisilicon at the end of March 2020, and that many of our products are TAA compliant.
The Advidia Camera Lineup is not yet fully NDAA Compliant. We are working closely with our third-party manufacturers to achieve full NDAA Compliance by March 2021.
Summary
DUKE Electrical Group is committed to ensuring the safety and security of your home or business with top-notch CCTV solutions. If you need your CCTV cameras updated or replaced, it’s crucial to have systems that provide clear visibility to identify faces, read licence plates, and monitor activities effectively. Our expert team can help you select and install reliable, high-quality surveillance systems tailored to your specific needs. Trust DUKE Electrical Group to keep your property secure with state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled service.
If you need your cameras removed or upgraded, contact the team at DUKE Electrical Group
