Canada Halts Hikvision Operations Over National Security Concerns
Canada orders Hikvision to cease operations due to national security concerns, banning its tech from government use. Read more about the implications and global context.
TL;DR
Canada has ordered Hikvision to cease all operations in the country due to national security concerns. The decision includes a ban on Hikvision products for government use and a review of existing installations.
Main Content
Canada Halts Hikvision Operations Over National Security Concerns
Canada has ordered the Chinese surveillance firm Hikvision to cease all operations within the country, citing significant national security concerns. This decision was announced by Minister Mélanie Joly following a comprehensive security review that indicated the company's activities could pose a threat to Canada's security.
The ban extends to the use of Hikvision products in government departments, agencies, and crown corporations. Additionally, the Canadian government is conducting a review of existing properties to ensure that legacy Hikvision products are not used going forward. Minister Joly emphasized that while foreign investment is welcome, national security remains a top priority.
“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.”
“The scope of this National Security Review under the Investment Canada Act does not extend to Hikvision’s affiliate operations outside of Canada. However, I strongly encourage all Canadians to take note of this decision and make their own decisions accordingly. In addition to this action, the Government of Canada is prohibiting the purchase or use of Hikvision products in government departments, agencies, and crown corporations. 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.”
My statement on Hikvision Canada Inc. following a national security review under the Investment Canada Act: pic.twitter.com/Gvl6aWRxyQ
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) June 28, 2025
Hikvision, officially known as Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd., is a Chinese company specializing in video surveillance products and solutions. These include CCTV cameras, video recorders, thermal imaging systems, and AI-powered security technologies. The company, which is partially state-owned, serves clients in both civilian and military sectors globally.
Hikvision Canada has criticized the government's ban, claiming it is baseless and politically motivated. The company argues that its products comply with Canadian laws and security standards, and that the decision lacks fairness and transparency. Hikvision believes the ban is driven by geopolitical bias against Chinese firms rather than actual cybersecurity concerns.
“We strongly disagree with this decision and view it with deep concern, as we believe it lacks a factual basis, procedural fairness, and transparency. Instead of evaluating our technology on its cybersecurity merits, the decision appears to be driven by the parent company’s country of origin, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and an unjustified bias against Chinese companies.”
“Throughout the review, we fully cooperated with all government parties — providing timely and comprehensive responses along with detailed documentation and proactive engagement to support their understanding. Despite these efforts, the government imposed its decision without presenting evidence or addressing the facts we provided. We urge the Canadian government to base its actions on facts rather than prejudice, and to uphold a fair, transparent environment for all businesses and investors.”
In 2022, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a total ban on telecom and surveillance equipment from Chinese companies Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua due to an “unacceptable” national security threat. The US government also added these companies to the Covered List, which includes products and services that could pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States.
In November 2022, the British government banned the installation of Chinese-linked security cameras at sensitive facilities due to security risks. The risk is related to the use of security cameras manufactured by Chinese-owned companies Dahua and Hikvision.
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(SecurityAffairs – hacking, Canada)
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Conclusion
Canada’s decision to ban Hikvision underscores the growing global concern over the cybersecurity risks posed by foreign technology companies. This move aligns with similar actions taken by the United States and the United Kingdom, highlighting a broader trend in national security policies. As geopolitical tensions continue to influence technology regulations, it is crucial for governments and businesses to prioritize security and transparency in their operations.