Chinese surveillance cameras used in Surrey libraries amid national security concerns
Hikvision CCTV cameras face scrutiny over alleged links to mass repression
Surrey County Council is utilising CCTV cameras from Hikvision, a Chinese company partly owned by the state, across its library locations despite national security concerns.
These cameras are installed in libraries throughout Guildford, Ash, Chertsey, Cobham, Farnham, Merstham, and New Haw, according to information obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Chinese law requires companies operating in the country to provide data to the Beijing government upon request. This led to the UK's decision in 2022 to halt the installation of Chinese surveillance devices in sensitive sites across Westminster. However, this directive does not currently extend to local government and other public sector bodies.
A Surrey County Council spokesperson assured that the library cameras are closed systems, not linked to corporate networks or the internet. They said:
“As a result, the primary risks normally associated with these devices – such as remote access or cyber vulnerabilities – do not apply in this case.
“The main residual risk would be physical access. However, all units are located within staff-only areas and are appropriately secured.
“Therefore, the risk level is considered low and appropriately managed within the current setup.”
Hikvision has been criticised for alleged involvement in the mass repression of Uyghur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang region, where its surveillance technology is reportedly used. The company denies any direct role in human rights abuses.
In 2022, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported “serious human rights violations” against the Uyghur population in Xinjiang. Estimates suggest up to one million Uyghurs have been detained in camps and other facilities since 2017. The Chinese government refutes claims of human rights abuses, asserting the camps are for educational and training purposes.
Sam Goodman from the China Strategic Risks Institute commented on the use of Hikvision cameras in Surrey libraries:
“After several years of public reporting regarding allegations of Hikvision’s links to human rights violations in Xinjiang and the government banning Hikvision from Whitehall citing national security concerns, there really isn’t an excuse for councils like Surrey County Council continuing to use these cameras.”
A Hikvision spokesperson reiterated their compliance with UK laws and regulations, stating:
“Our position on human rights is a matter of public record. We have never knowingly or intentionally committed human rights abuses, and we never will.
“Hikvision has joined the UN Global Compact, committing to its Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.”