So, is a ban in place or not?
Part of a Statement by Hikvision to its Partners - December 14th 2022
'As reported in the media, the UK Government has instructed specific departments to cease deployment of Hikvision equipment onto sensitive sites within the government estate owing to so-called ‘security considerations'
It goes on to say ...
'It is important to note that this decision does not constitute a ban of Hikvision from broader public procurement, nor from being sold to private companies. Our understanding is that the exclusion applies to specific sites with national security, law enforcement and defence assets. So while we cannot operate in UK defence or critical national infrastructure, we will continue to support our partners within educational establishments, NHS, local authorities and other public entities.'
And it concludes ...
'Hikvision is proud of the role our products play across the UK in keeping people safe and will continue to do so. If you require any further assistance or have any further questions, please get in touch.'
Yours faithfully,
Hikvision UK & Ireland
So, is a ban in place or not?
Not according to the UK government. See below
RE: Hikvision UK Ltd
We write in response to your letter of 16 August and two letters of 23 September 2022 on behalf of our client, the Department of Health and Social Care (“the Department”), and further to our letters acknowledging yours. We have taken instructions on the matters that you raise.
There is no current policy to exclude Hikvision from the Department’s procurements and Hikvision has not been excluded from any.
There was a decision in March 2022 to procure no more equipment from Hikvision, on the basis of ethical considerations but that is not the current policy.
Hikvision has not been excluded from any procurements as a result of the March 2022 decision. In the circumstances any challenge would be otiose and, therefore, the question of disclosure does not arise.
On 24 November 2022 the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Rt. Hon. Oliver Dowden MP made a statement to Parliament concerning the current and future possible security risks associated with the installation of visual surveillance systems on the government estate. In light of this, the Department will be conducting a review of such risks.
Yours faithfully
For the Treasury Solicitor
Whilst this is very interesting, we have always advised our members to carry out a risk based approach to assessing any equipment that they are considering as part of their projects and this remains the case today.