Canada Orders Hikvision to Cease Operations Amid National Security Concerns

In a decisive move underscoring growing scrutiny of foreign technology firms, the Canadian government has ordered Chinese surveillance equipment manufacturer Hikvision to shut down its operations in Canada. The decision, announced by Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, follows a national security review conducted under the Investment Canada Act.

The review, informed by intelligence from Canada’s security agencies, concluded that Hikvision’s continued presence posed a threat to national security. As a result, the company must cease all business activities within the country. Additionally, federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations are now prohibited from purchasing or using Hikvision products. A government-wide audit is also underway to identify and remove any legacy equipment.

Hikvision, headquartered in Hangzhou, China, has faced international criticism for its alleged role in human rights abuses in China’s Xinjiang region. The company has denied these allegations and expressed strong disagreement with Ottawa’s decision, calling it “unjustified” and “lacking in transparency.”

While the order does not extend to Hikvision’s operations outside Canada, Minister Joly encouraged Canadians to consider the government’s findings when making personal technology choices.