Security News > 2021 > August > UK's Surveillance Camera Commissioner grills Hikvision on China human rights abuses
The China-based surveillance equipment manufacturer accused of being linked to the human rights abuse of the Uyghur ethnic minority in Xinjiang has denied any wrongdoing in a heated exchange with the UK's Surveillance Camera Commissioner.
Eye-catchingly, Hikvision's denials came in a series of letters published by Surveillance Camera Commissioner Professor Fraser Sampson on the GOV.UK website.
The illuminating exchange between Sampson and the Chinese company's UK arm began after Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee called for Hikvision to be banned from operating in Britain after linking the firm to what the US has called genocide.
In his role as Surveillance Camera Commissioner, Professor Sampson oversees some business practices of surveillance tech companies operating in the UK. So when a letter circulated by Hikvision to its UK associates stated the Parliamentary report's findings were "Unsubstantiated" and "Sends an unacceptable message" [PDF], Prof Sampson wrote this to the manufacturer's UK arm.
Hikvision also cited an internal report [PDF] written by an ex-US diplomat that concluded Hikvision did not "Knowingly or intentionally" abuse human rights when working on "Five projects in Xinjiang."
In a statement a company spokesman, who asked not to be named, told The Register: "Hikvision takes all reports regarding human rights very seriously and recognizes our responsibility for protecting people and property. The company has been engaging with governments globally to clarify misunderstandings about the company and our business and address their concerns. As a market leader, Hikvision is committed to upholding the highest standards and respect for human rights. As a manufacturer that does not oversee the operation of our products, we do ensure our cameras are designed to protect communities and property."