The draft law has so far only been approved by the lower house of the British Parliament, with the document now being submitted to the upper house of parliament for consideration, bringing it a step closer to passage.

The decision comes amid growing concerns about the potential security implications of China’s use of video surveillance technology. Previously, the United States had expressed concern about companies Hikvision and Dahua, citing the fact that these companies could provide Chinese government agencies with unauthorized access to video materials.

This development reflects a broader international debate over the use of Chinese technology that may be linked to the Chinese government.

China has captured the market for video surveillance devices

British authorities estimate that about a third of CCTV cameras used by law enforcement in England and Wales are now manufactured by the Chinese company Hikvision, according to the Nikkei Asian Review and Reuters.

Approval of the bill underlines the UK government’s desire to review its reliance on Chinese-made infrastructure for critical surveillance and security systems.

At the time of writing, neither Hikvision nor Dahua had issued a statement in response to the UK’s legislative initiative. However, it is worth noting that Dahua has previously stated that it complies with local legislation in the UK and has emphasized that it has been operating within the legal limits set for six years.

Under the new legislation, a special parliamentary committee will be responsible for the gradual transition from Chinese-made CCTV cameras to alternative solutions in the infrastructure of British public institutions. This committee will receive annual reports detailing the progress made in replacing Chinese-made CCTV equipment, re-emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing national security through this measure.