Concerns Mount Over Chinese Security Cameras at Major Historical Sites

Security cameras provided by Chinese companies Dahua Technology and Hikvision are drawing significant criticism for their deployment at prominent historical sites. These include Salisbury Cathedral in the UK, which houses a copy of the Magna Carta, and the ancient Parthenon in Greece. Both companies face serious allegations, ranging from aiding human rights abuses against Uyghurs in China to their technology allegedly being exploited by Russia during the invasion of Ukraine.

Key Concerns and Allegations

Uyghur Persecution

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has explicitly called for the removal of Dahua cameras from Salisbury Cathedral. The organization cites the company's alleged involvement in developing facial recognition systems used to identify Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang region.

The WUC stated that it is particularly concerning that such technology protects a symbol of democracy.

Russian Exploitation in Ukraine

Further allegations involve the potential exploitation of this technology by Russia. The Ukrainian organization "Don't Fund Russian Army" and Ukrainian MP Grigory Mamka have reported incidents where footage from Dahua and Hikvision cameras was allegedly accessed and exploited by Russia for reconnaissance during missile strikes and for psychological warfare.

Previous UK Actions

Concerns about these companies are not new in the United Kingdom. Cameras from both Dahua and Hikvision have previously been removed from sensitive UK government sites. This action was taken due to apprehensions regarding potential remote access and espionage by China.

Deployment at Historic Sites

Salisbury Cathedral

At Salisbury Cathedral, Dahua Technology states its low-light surveillance cameras are crucial for ensuring the safety of the Magna Carta. A spokesperson for the cathedral confirmed that its security systems are regularly reviewed but refrained from commenting on specific security details or confirming receipt of the WUC's email.

Parthenon, Greece

In Greece, Hikvision cameras currently monitor the ancient Parthenon. The WUC has extended its appeal to Greek authorities, urging them to remove this specific CCTV technology from the historical landmark.

Company Responses

Dahua Technology

A spokesperson for Dahua firmly denied developing products to target any ethnic group, asserting that internal investigations found no evidence of such use. The company also affirmed its adherence to cybersecurity standards and noted the suspension of shipments to Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Hikvision

Hikvision did not provide a comment when requested regarding these allegations.