Security review in Kent after camera concern
The county council have pledged to review its CCTV systems
The county’s largest local authority has pledged to review its CCTV systems amid continued security concerns and alleged human rights abuses in Chinese internment camps.
Hikvision cameras have been deployed on Kent County Council (KCC) property years after red flags were raised about the company.
Public bodies have faced accusations of employing the type of technology allegedly used in repressive acts on Uyghur Muslims in China.
KCC claims its system is secure and to replace it would prove prohibitive in its current financial position but will do so when an upgrade is needed.
Critics within the KCC Liberal Democrat group are seeking assurances from the council on ethical and security grounds.
The Chinese tech giant has consistently denied human rights abuse allegations and refutes charges the cameras can be used in state espionage.
Two years ago, it emerged local councils in the UK, secondary schools, health trusts, universities and police forces employed Chinese-built technology.
In 2023, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells councils confirmed they will stop using the cameras produced by Hikvision.
A KCC statement said:
“The awareness of the issues with Hikvision was first highlighted in late 2021/early 2022. A decision was taken by those overseeing KCC property not to install any brand new Hikvision systems across our corporate estate from that point onwards.
“We are also content that the existing installations within KCC properties are all cabled to a secure Network Video Recorder (NVR), which is not networked outside the building. There is minimal risk as KCC does not use the software that allows web monitoring, and all footage remains enclosed on site.
“Therefore physical access to the device is required to view any footage taken, which mitigates the security concern.
“We have considered proactively replacing the Hikvision system entirely, but this would be a very costly move and put even more strain on the council’s finances, which are already under substantial pressure. It has therefore been decided that we will replace when maintenance and upgrades are undertaken.
“We will continue to monitor the latest guidance and follow the advice we are given regarding taking extra steps to minimise any risks regarding the use of Hikvision in our properties".