The Canadian government has taken a strong decision against Chinese surveillance equipment maker Hikvision.
Canada Shuts Down Hikvision Over National Security Risks
On Friday, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Melanie Joly, announced that Hikvision Canada Inc. must stop all its operations in the country. The decision came after a thorough national security review under the Investment Canada Act.
According to the government, Hikvision’s continued presence in Canada could harm the country’s national security. The review included detailed information and findings from Canada’s security and intelligence agencies. Based on this, the government decided that Hikvision’s business activities posed a potential risk.
Minister Joly clearly stated that Hikvision must shut down its Canadian business. This includes ending all current activities and closing offices across Canada. The announcement reflects growing concerns about the use of foreign surveillance equipment and the risks it may pose to the privacy and safety of Canadian citizens.
Government Review Finds Hikvision Risky for Canada
Hikvision is a well-known Chinese company that makes video surveillance equipment, including cameras used for security purposes. These products are often used in both public and private spaces, including government buildings, streets, and businesses.
In this case, a detailed multi-step security review was conducted by Canadian authorities. It looked into the company’s operations, the data it handles, and its links with foreign governments. Based on the evidence, officials concluded that allowing Hikvision to continue operating could compromise national interests.
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Melanie Joly emphasized that the government’s decision was not made lightly. The entire review was done using careful procedures, with input from Canada’s top intelligence and security services. These teams assessed both technical details and possible threats.
Importantly, the Canadian government made it clear that this order only affects Hikvision’s Canadian operations. It does not include the company’s offices or affiliates in other countries. Still, the decision sends a strong message about how seriously Canada views national security in relation to foreign technology providers.
Ban Extended to Government Use and Existing Equipment
Along with the shutdown order, the Canadian government has also banned the use of Hikvision products in its own departments, agencies, and crown corporations. This means that no new purchases will be allowed, and existing equipment is being reviewed.
Government teams are now checking buildings, networks, and also the systems to find and remove any Hikvision cameras or systems already in use. This is part of an effort to ensure that no equipment from the company remains in sensitive or high-security areas.
Melanie Joly advised Canadians to pay attention to the government’s decision. While the action only applies to government bodies and Hikvision’s operations in Canada, individuals and businesses may also choose to reconsider their own use of Hikvision equipment.
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The Canadian government has made it clear that while it continues to welcome foreign investment, it will never do so at the cost of the country’s safety or privacy. Canada has strong laws in place to check if any foreign investment is harmful, and this case is an example of that system working to protect the public.
This is not the first time that concerns have been raised about Hikvision’s role in other countries. Several governments worldwide have expressed caution over the use of the company’s products. However, Canada’s latest move is one of the strongest steps taken so far, showing a clear stance on protecting national security from possible foreign interference.