South Korea removes 1,300 cameras after realizing they report to Chinese servers
Kristin Levine
Posted On September 17, 2024
Military Surveillance Cameras Removed Amidst Security Concerns
South Korea’s military has removed 1,300 surveillance cameras from its bases after an investigation revealed their potential connection to a Chinese server. An unnamed military official stated that the cameras, supplied by a South Korean company, were “designed to be able to transmit recorded footage externally by connecting to a specific Chinese server.”
Chinese Surveillance Equipment Under Scrutiny
This discovery comes amidst growing global concerns about the security risks posed by Chinese surveillance equipment. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have implemented restrictions on the use of such equipment, citing fears of data leakage and ties to the Chinese government.
Korean Investigation Uncovers Camera Origins
Korean intelligence agencies uncovered the cameras’ Chinese origins in July during a routine inspection of military equipment. While some of the cameras were located near the North Korean border, they were not used for border monitoring. Instead, they were focused on training bases and perimeter fences.
Security Breach Averted
The military official emphasized that no data has been compromised at this time. Approximately 100 of the removed cameras have been replaced with locally-produced equipment to ensure the security of military installations.
Global Crackdown on Chinese Surveillance
In recent years, the United States has blacklisted two Chinese manufacturers, Dahua and Hikvision, due to their alleged involvement in human rights abuses. Additionally, several other Chinese telecommunications and video surveillance companies have been banned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States.
Europe’s Reliance on Chinese Cameras
Despite the concerns, a Radio Free Europe investigation found that many European countries continue to rely heavily on affordable Dahua and Hikvision security cameras, including at sensitive sites like military bases and police headquarters.
Legal Action Contemplated
The Chinese manufacturer responsible for the cameras used on Korean military bases has not been identified. However, the military is considering legal action against the supplier, which is suspected of falsifying documentation regarding the cameras’ origins.
