Amsterdam to remove Chinese-made cameras over espionage and human rights concerns
Chinese surveillance
Dutch capital Amsterdam has committed to removing cameras manufactured by Chinese companies from the European city, because of concerns over potential espionage and human rights violations.
Chinese cameras to be removed
The Amsterdam municipality plans to phase out approximately 1,280 Chinese-made surveillance camera installations, currently being used to monitor traffic and public spaces.
This phase-out operation will take place within five years.
Suppliers will be specifically asked to provide non-Chinese camera systems.
Alexander Scholtes, the councillor for ICT and Digital City in Amsterdam, said: "We are also sending a strong signal to the market to find alternatives to Chinese camera systems".
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This decision follows a growing apprehension that surveillance equipment from Chinese companies could transmit images to the manufacturer or the government in Beijing. Notably, Chinese firms Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. and Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. have been accused by US officials of participating in human rights violations against the Uyghur minority in China.
Other countries that have removed Chinese cameras
Amsterdam's move comes after similar actions taken by the UK and Australian governments, which have removed Chinese-made surveillance technology from sensitive government and defence sites.
Earlier this year, the Netherlands' Military Intelligence and Security Service disclosed a Chinese espionage campaign in the country involving advanced malware.
While the immediate replacement of all Chinese cameras is cost-prohibitive, Amsterdam's coalition government, including the mayor and aldermen, as per NL Times, plans to implement new contract conditions that consider human rights criteria when purchasing camera systems.
Municipal departments will now seek alternatives to Chinese cameras, assessing feasibility and costs on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of replacing all current Chinese cameras within five years.
(With inputs from agencies)
