Canada has taken a significant step regarding the use of surveillance technology by banning products from certain companies, including Hikvision, from its federal infrastructure. This decision stems from growing concerns over security risks and the potential for these devices to be used for state-sponsored surveillance.
The move aligns with actions taken by other countries globally which have raised alarms about the close ties of companies like Hikvision to foreign governments and the potential vulnerabilities embedded in their equipment. The primary worry is that these devices, which include cameras and other video surveillance systems, could be exploited to collect sensitive data or compromise critical networks.
This prohibition means that federal departments and agencies in Canada are now prevented from using or installing such equipment. While the ban currently targets federal government networks, it highlights the broader conversation about the security and trustworthiness of technology used across various sectors, and could influence future policies or procurement decisions at other levels.
The decision underscores the Canadian government’s focus on protecting its networks and data from potential threats in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. It represents a proactive measure to mitigate identified security vulnerabilities associated with these specific vendors.
Source: https://securityaffairs.com/179470/laws-and-regulations/canada-bans-hikvision-over-national-security-concerns.html
