The city of Amsterdam has made a bold decision to remove surveillance cameras manufactured by Chinese companies. This move stems from growing concerns about potential espionage and human rights violations linked to these devices. The Dutch capital’s commitment to phasing out these cameras highlights the increasing global scrutiny of Chinese technology.
The Plan for Removal of Surveillance Cameras
Amsterdam plans to phase out around 1,280 Chinese-made surveillance cameras currently monitoring traffic and public spaces. This phase-out will be a gradual process, taking place over the next five years.
The municipality has directed suppliers to provide non-Chinese camera systems. Alexander Scholtes, the councillor for ICT and Digital City in Amsterdam, stated, “We are also sending a strong signal to the market to find alternatives to Chinese camera systems.”
Espionage Concerns
There is growing apprehension that surveillance equipment from Chinese companies could transmit images to the manufacturer or the Chinese government. Dutch intelligence agencies first publicly attributed cyber espionage to China in February, when they said state-backed cyber spies had gained access to a Dutch military network last year.
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China tries to get hold of technology in the Netherlands in various ways, using a combination of (cyber) espionage, company insiders, acquisitions, circumvention of export restrictions and reverse engineering of technology for which no licenses are required.
Universities also play an important role in gathering intelligence, it said, as scientists who work with western companies often also work for China’s security services and state companies.
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Human Rights Violations
This fear of Chinese Espionage is not unfounded, as Chinese firms Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. and Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. have faced accusations from US officials of participating in human rights violations against the Uyghur minority in China.
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Beyond espionage, these Chinese companies are also implicated in serious human rights abuses. The accusations have led to increased scrutiny and action from governments around the world.
Similar Actions Worldwide
Amsterdam’s decision follows similar actions by the UK and Australian governments. Both countries have removed Chinese-made surveillance technology from sensitive government and defense sites, highlighting a broader trend of caution against Chinese tech.
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Espionage in the Netherlands
Earlier this year, the Netherlands’ Military Intelligence and Security Service disclosed a Chinese espionage campaign involving advanced malware. This revelation has likely fueled the urgency and resolve behind Amsterdam’s decision.
Chinese spies have also targeted the Dutch semiconductor, aerospace and maritime industries to try to strengthen China’s armed forces, the Dutch military intelligence agency MIVD said in its annual report.
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Dutch intelligence agencies discovered that hackers exploited a vulnerability in FortiGate devices, accessing over 20,000 units globally between 2022 and 2023. The malware is stealthy and persistent, surviving reboots and firmware upgrades, and provides access to compromised devices after installation.
The impact was limited as the victim network was segmented from wider networks. The NCSC urges increased vigilance and has created a factsheet on edge devices. The Dutch intelligence and security services observe a trend in attacks on edge devices due to their security challenges.
Implementation Strategy
While replacing all Chinese surveillance cameras immediately is cost-prohibitive, Amsterdam’s coalition government, including the mayor and aldermen, plans to implement new contract conditions that consider human rights criteria when purchasing camera systems.
Municipal departments will now seek alternatives to Chinese surveillance cameras. They will assess feasibility and costs on a case-by-case basis, aiming to replace all current Chinese cameras within five years. This methodical approach ensures a smooth transition while addressing security concerns.
Amsterdam’s decision to remove Chinese-made surveillance cameras sends a strong message about the city’s commitment to privacy, security, and human rights. By phasing out these devices, Amsterdam not only addresses immediate concerns but also sets a precedent for other cities and countries grappling with similar issues.
As Amsterdam moves forward with this initiative, it will be crucial to monitor the impacts and effectiveness of the new surveillance cameras. The city’s proactive stance may well inspire other municipalities to reconsider their own use of potentially compromised technology, prioritizing the safety and rights of their citizens above all.