Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (): The Government keeps the
security of our personnel, information, assets, and estate under
constant review. In this context, the Government Security Group
has undertaken a review of the current and future possible
security risks associated with the installation of visual
surveillance systems on the government estate. The review has
concluded that, in light of the threat to the UK and the
increasing capability and connectivity of these systems,
additional controls are required.
Departments have therefore been instructed to cease deployment of
such equipment onto sensitive sites, where it is produced by
companies subject to the National Intelligence Law of the
People’s Republic of China. Since security considerations are
always paramount around these sites, we are taking action now to
prevent any security risks materialising.
Additionally, departments have been advised that no such
equipment should be connected to departmental core networks and
that they should consider whether they should remove and replace
such equipment where it is deployed on sensitive sites rather
than awaiting any scheduled upgrades. Departments have also been
advised to consider whether there are sites outside the
definition of sensitive sites to which they would wish to extend
the same risk mitigation.
Government will continue to keep this risk under review and will
take further steps if and when they become necessary.
