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Key Points

Canada has ordered Chinese surveillance giant Hikvision to shut down its operations over national security concerns. Innovation Minister Melanie Joly confirmed the decision after a security review under the Investment Canada Act. The government also banned Hikvision products from federal agencies and is auditing existing installations. Joly emphasized Canada remains open to foreign investment but prioritizes security.

Key Points: Canada Orders Hikvision to Shut Down Over Security Risks

  • Canada cites security risks in Hikvision operations
  • Ban extends to government procurement
  • Review follows intelligence assessments
  • Decision excludes Hikvision’s global affiliates
2 min read

Canadian govt orders Chinese firm Hikvision to cease operations over national security concerns

Canada forces Chinese surveillance firm Hikvision to cease operations due to national security concerns, per Minister Melanie Joly.

"The government has determined that Hikvision Canada Inc.'s continued operations would be injurious to Canada's national security. – Melanie Joly"

Ottawa, June 28

The Canadian government has ordered Chinese video surveillance equipment maker Hikvision to cease all operations in the country and close its Canadian business over national security concerns, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Melanie Joly, announced on Friday (local time).

Melanie Joly noted that the government has determined that Hikvision Canada Inc.'s continued operations in Canada would be detrimental to Canada's national security.

In a statement, Joly stated, "Following a National Security Review under the Investment Canada Act, the Government of Canada has ordered Hikvision Canada Inc. to cease all operations in Canada and close its Canadian business."

"The government has determined that Hikvision Canada Inc.'s continued operations in Canada would be injurious to Canada's national security. This determination is the result of a multi-step review that assessed information and evidence provided by Canada's security and intelligence community," she added.

Joly stated, "The scope of this National Security Review under the Investment Canada Act does not extend to Hikvision's affiliate operations outside of Canada."

Melanie Joly encouraged all Canadians to take note of this decision and make their own decisions accordingly. Furthermore, the Canadian government has banned the purchase or use of Hikvision products in government departments, agencies, and crown corporations.

https://x.com/melaniejoly/status/1938771436988137969

She stated, "The Government of Canada is further conducting a review of existing properties to ensure that legacy Hikvision products are not used going forward. The Government of Canada welcomes foreign investment - but will never compromise on Canada's national security."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya M
Interesting move by Canada. But will this really make a difference when Hikvision products are already so widely used globally? 🤔 We need international cooperation on such matters.
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Amit K
Good decision! Chinese tech companies have been compromising data security worldwide. India banned many Chinese apps in 2020 - more such actions needed against hardware companies too. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
While I understand security concerns, this seems like another step in the growing tech cold war. We need balanced policies that protect security without completely cutting off technological exchange.
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Nikhil R
Hikvision cameras are everywhere in Indian cities! Municipal corporations need to audit their surveillance infrastructure ASAP. Better safe than sorry when it comes to national security.
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Kavya P
Western countries are waking up to Chinese surveillance risks now? India has been dealing with this for years! Hope this leads to more indigenous tech development globally. Atmanirbhar Bharat! 🇮🇳

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