Security Intelligence
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On June 27, 2025, the Canadian government announced its decision to order the Chinese supplier of surveillance technology, Hikvision, to cease all operations within Canada.
This move follows a national security review under the Investment Canada Act , which concluded that Hikvision’s operations posed a risk to national security. The order prohibits federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations from purchasing or using Hikvision products. A review is also underway to remove legacy Hikvision equipment from government properties.
While the government stopped short of banning Hikvision technology in the private sector, it strongly encouraged Canadians to carefully consider the security implications of using the company’s products.
Canada’s decision mirrors similar actions taken by the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, all of which have banned Hikvision equipment from government use due to mounting national security concerns.
Hikvision is partially owned by the Chinese government through China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), and has faced international scrutiny for its alleged involvement in domestic surveillance and human rights violations within China.
Hikvision is a manufacturer and supplier of video surveillance equipment. They produce a wide range of products, including security cameras, NVRs, and access control systems, and supply solutions for various industries like smart homes, industrial automation, and automotive electronics.
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Analyst notes:
When assessing supply chain vulnerabilities, many organizations prioritize technical specifications while often overlooking geopolitical context and ownership structures. Knowing where your technology comes from and who controls it is essential.
Hikvision’s surveillance systems are among the most advanced globally, integrating AI-powered facial recognition and remote monitoring. While not inherently malicious, the technical capability of these systems, combined with lack of vendor transparency over the control of the company, poses significant risk when deployed in sensitive environments. Threat actors could exploit such systems for unauthorized surveillance or data exfiltration.
