Following extensive engagement with the UK Government, and with the relevant legislation in the Procurement Bill having been debated and approved by all sides across the two Houses of Parliament, Hikvision can confirm that the UK Government has now clarified its position concerning Hikvision CCTV cameras in relation to sensitive areas of the government estate. As a result of this important regulatory confirmation, they are pleased to renew their commitment to the UK market and move forward with their mission.
The UK’s Government letter to Hikvision confirms that their equipment is not banned from wider public sector settings.
This decision recognises the integral role Hikvision products play in protecting property and promoting public safety.
The statement provided to them from His Majesty’s Government is as follows:
Subsequently, speaking in the House of Lords on 11th September 2023, Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister of State in the Cabinet Office, provided a public definition of “Sensitive Sites” for the first time as “…any building or complex that routinely holds secret material or above. Any location which hosts a significant proportion of officials holding developed vetting clearance, and location which is routinely used by ministers, and any government location covered under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.” In addition, Baroness Neville-Rolfe clarified that “the level of risk in recycling centres, leisure centres, schools or hospitals does not match the level of threat that we potentially face on Sensitive Sites”.
The Government’s decision endorses the security credentials of Hikvision’s products, and adds to a growing consensus around the safety and integrity of Hikvision technology across the UK and Ireland, as well as internationally. Further evidence of this came recently in the Republic of Ireland, where the cross-party Houses of Oireachtas Committee overseeing the Irish parliamentary estate at Leinster House ruled that it was satisfied Hikvision cameras installed in the parliamentary precinct did not present a security risk, with Hikvision’s products remaining installed.
Hikvision has always been clear that the company and its products present no threat to UK national security. No respected technical institution or assessment has concluded otherwise. Each of Hikvision’s products is subject to strict security requirements and is compliant with the applicable laws and regulations in the UK, as well as any other country and regions in which they operate.
They are also proud to have worked with the UK Government on the ‘Secure By Default’ initiative in 2019, which complements existing qualifications and certifications in the security space.
As a global leader in video security, Hikvision takes cybersecurity seriously, and the company is committed to upholding the highest industry standards. Hikvision’s products, source code, and cybersecurity practices are in keeping with industry best practices. Moreover, Hikvision’s business model in the UK, as in most international markets, is predicated on customers being distributors and security integrators/installers, not the “end-user”. Based on this industry-wide business model, Hikvision does not respond directly to public tenders.
They are confident that this regulatory clarity and the completion of the Procurement Bill will remove any confusion regarding their viability in the UK. Indeed, they are open for business. Thank you for your continued support of their brand, and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding the above.