How Much Of Hikvision's Xinjiang Concentration Camp Work Was "Voluntary"?

JH
John Honovich
•Feb 05, 2019
IPVM

A Hikvision partner makes an interesting point in light of 3 UK MPs calling for Hikvision to be investigated over Xinjiang:

Now that's a though one. While Hikvision doesn't make buildings they seem to have taken on the contract to oversee work that was done in the province. How much was voluntary we don't know and we don't fully understand it. [emphasis added]

It is an interesting take. 

On the positive side, if Hikvision did not do this voluntarily, we should not hold Hikvision at fault (or at least not the same level), since they would simply be following orders of the authoritarian China Communist Party.

On the negative side, if Hikvision did not do this voluntarily, this proves that Hikvision can be forced into doing the orders of the authoritarian China Communist Party which would solidify the risk that Hikvision can be forced to put in backdoors and to allow their products to be used to spy on Western targets.

What do you think?

(1)
UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #1
•Feb 05, 2019

It's China, you are a State controlled company so you do what you are told. China's history shows that it isn't wise to not comply. The fact that Hik's board and the ruling Communist Party are so intertwined probably means that for Hik this was just another project.

I'm sure that there are Hik employees at lower level that would have an issue with this from a human rights perspective but I guess they simply keep quiet.

(5)
U
Undisclosed #2
•Feb 05, 2019
IPVMU Certified

Show me the Chinese company who has ever refused the State.

(5)
Avatar
John Bazyk
•Feb 06, 2019
Command Corporation • IPVMU Certified

I’m curious. How many companies does China have a controlling interest in? Is it common for them to own such a large company? What industries do they control?

JH
John Honovich
•Feb 06, 2019
IPVM
In reply to John Bazyk

How many companies does China have a controlling interest in?

In video surveillance companies, the PRC (i.e., the Chinese government) only has a controlling interest in Hikvision.

Across the entire country, they own hundreds or more. Here is a Wikipedia list of Chinese government-owned companies.

(1)
UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #3
•Feb 06, 2019

They have back door entries to their cameras as this has compromised many third world countries in Africa. Including the OAU organization of African Unity. EU and US bases were compromised. SL is a case in point where the entire country is under surveillance under the guise of FR and the Govt cannot do much as they are in debt to the Chinese govt big time.. Hik does what the Govt wants it to do they cannot say no If they say NO off to reeducation centers

(1)
(1)
U
Undisclosed #2
•Feb 06, 2019
IPVMU Certified

On the positive side, if Hikvision did not do this voluntarily, we should not hold Hikvision at fault (or at least not the same level)...

What counts as involuntary, if the government tells a Hik executive:

Do this or be physically harmed?

Do this or be thrown in jail?

Do this or be fired?

Do this or be fined?

Do this or never get promoted?

Do this or else?

Do this?

 

 

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