Canada Orders Hikvision to Cease Operations Over Security Concerns

Canada has ordered Chinese surveillance camera manufacturer Hikvision to shut down its operations in the country, citing national security risks. Industry Minister Melanie Joly announced the decision Friday following a security review by Canada's intelligence community.

Hikvision, the world's largest video surveillance equipment maker, has previously faced U.S. sanctions over its involvement in East Turkistan (Xinjiang), where human rights groups have documented abuses against Uyghurs. The company said last year it had exited East Turkistan (Xinjiang) contracts through subsidiaries blacklisted by the U.S. in 2023.

The Canadian government did not specify how Hikvision posed security threats or mention China or Xinjiang in its announcement. Hikvision strongly disputed the decision, calling it unfair and driven by "geopolitical tensions" rather than cybersecurity merits. The company accused Canada of bias against Chinese firms and urged fact-based decision-making.

Canada is also banning government purchases of Hikvision products and reviewing existing installations to remove legacy equipment. The order doesn't affect the company's operations outside Canada, but Joly encouraged Canadians to consider the decision when making their own purchasing choices.

The move follows Canada's review last year of potential sanctions against Chinese surveillance companies after rights advocates alleged their involvement in Xinjiang's surveillance apparatus.