In a major move to protect national security, the Government of Canada has officially banned Chinese surveillance company Hikvision from operating in the country. This decision, announced on June 28, 2025, affects both the company’s local presence and future government contracts.
The announcement was made by Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Industry. She confirmed that Hikvision Canada Inc. must cease all operations and shut down its business in the country. The ban comes as a result of a national security review under the Investment Canada Act, which evaluates foreign investments that could threaten Canada’s interests.
“The government has determined that Hikvision Canada Inc.’s continued operations in Canada would be injurious to Canada’s national security,” Joly stated in an official post on X (formerly Twitter)
As part of the ban, all federal institutions in Canada—including government departments, agencies, and Crown corporations—are now prohibited from buying or using Hikvision products. The government has also launched an internal investigation to identify and remove any Hikvision systems that may have already been installed.
This move does not apply to private businesses or individuals. Hikvision products can still be sold and used in the private sector, but Joly strongly encouraged Canadians to be cautious and consider the government’s decision when making their own choices.
The ban is not Canada’s first restriction against Hikvision. In late 2023, the province of Quebec banned the use of Hikvision technology in government facilities over similar concerns.
Hikvision, a Chinese state-backed company, has been under international scrutiny for years. Governments and human rights groups have raised concerns about its alleged involvement in mass surveillance, particularly in China’s Xinjiang region, where Uyghur Muslims have been reportedly targeted.
While Hikvision has denied allegations of human rights violations, several countries have taken strong action due to cybersecurity risks and concerns over potential foreign espionage.
Key Concerns with Hikvision:
National security threats
Data privacy risks
Alleged involvement in surveillance of minority groups
Close ties to the Chinese government
Canada is not alone in its efforts to restrict Hikvision. Over the past several years, many countries have taken steps to ban or limit the company’s operations and products, especially in government and military environments.
Here’s a quick look at how the world is responding to Hikvision:
United States
In 2019, the U.S. federal government banned Hikvision from federal contracts.
In 2022, the U.S. banned imports and sales of Hikvision equipment, citing national security and human rights violations.
Hikvision was also placed on the Entity List for its role in the mass surveillance of Uyghurs.
India
In 2020, India banned Hikvision from government tenders and ordered removal of its products from military and high-security zones.
The Indian Navy directed the discontinuation and destruction of all Hikvision cameras.
United Kingdom
In 2022, the UK banned Hikvision cameras from government buildings and sensitive locations.
By October 2024, the UK had removed over 50% of Hikvision cameras from critical sites, with plans to complete removal by April 2025.
European Union
In 2021, the European Parliament removed Hikvision thermal cameras due to concerns over their use in human rights violations in Xinjiang.
South Korea
In 2021, South Korea banned 224 Hikvision products temporarily after discovering forged safety test reports.
Australia & New Zealand
Australia’s Department of Defence started removing Hikvision cameras in 2023.
New Zealand halted purchases of Hikvision products over similar concerns.
Ukraine
In 2023, Ukraine labeled Hikvision as an “international sponsor of war” for allegedly providing dual-use technology to Russia.
Taiwan
In 2024, Taiwan indicted a Hikvision employee for operating illegally on the island.
The decision by Canada adds to the growing global trend of limiting Chinese surveillance technology in critical sectors. Governments across North America, Europe, and Asia are increasingly cautious about the potential threats posed by foreign-made security equipment—especially from state-backed Chinese companies like Hikvision.
While Canadian citizens and businesses can still purchase Hikvision products, the government’s strong warning may influence future buying decisions. The move reflects growing concerns about data security, foreign interference, and technological sovereignty in the modern digital age.
As countries continue to tighten cybersecurity standards, Hikvision and similar companies may find it harder to operate freely on the global stage.
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