Catenaa, Wednesday, July 02, 2025- The Canadian government has ordered Chinese surveillance firm Hikvision to cease all operations in Canada, citing national security risks, Industry Minister Melanie Joly announced Friday.
The decision follows a multi-step review involving Canada’s security and intelligence agencies.
Hikvision, the world’s largest maker of video surveillance equipment, has faced extensive U.S. sanctions for its ties to China’s Xinjiang region, where rights groups report abuses against Uyghur and Muslim minorities.
The company said in 2024 it had exited five Xinjiang contracts after U.S. blacklisting.
Joly did not specify how Hikvision’s activities threaten Canadian security but confirmed a ban on the purchase of its products by government entities and a review of existing equipment to phase out legacy devices.
Hikvision condemned the move, calling it unfair and based on geopolitical bias rather than factual cybersecurity concerns. The company urged the Canadian government to maintain transparency and fairness for all businesses.
The Canadian action aligns with growing international pressure on Chinese tech firms linked to Xinjiang surveillance. China’s foreign ministry had no immediate comment.
Canada’s order does not extend to Hikvision’s affiliate companies outside Canada but urged Canadians to reconsider their use of Hikvision products.
