India is facing a new challenge in its efforts to enhance national security as concerns over Chinese spying through CCTV cameras have rocked the surveillance industry. The Indian government has implemented strict new rules requiring manufacturers of CCTV cameras to submit hardware, software, and source code for assessment in government labs before they can sell their products in the country.
The policy, which went into effect in April, has led to industry warnings of supply disruptions and delays in approvals, sparking tensions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration and foreign companies. The move is driven in part by India’s alarm over China’s sophisticated surveillance capabilities, with concerns raised about vulnerabilities in video data transferred to servers abroad.
Global makers of surveillance gear, including Chinese companies like Hikvision, Xiaomi, and Dahua, as well as South Korea’s Hanwha and US-based Motorola Solutions, have clashed with Indian regulators over the new security rules. The government has emphasized the need for robust and secure internet-connected CCTV cameras to guard against espionage risks.
In a meeting with executives of 17 foreign and domestic surveillance gear manufacturers, Indian officials rejected calls for a delay in implementing the certification rules, citing the need to address genuine security concerns. The rules aim to enhance the quality and cybersecurity of surveillance systems in the country, according to Indian officials.
The new requirements have raised concerns about the impact on the industry, with issues such as insufficient testing capacity, drawn-out factory inspections, and scrutiny of sensitive source code delaying approvals and potentially disrupting infrastructure and commercial projects. Companies like Hanwha, Motorola Solutions, and Vivotek have expressed challenges in meeting the requirements, leading to delays in product approvals.
While India’s surveillance camera market is expected to reach $7 billion by 2030, the implementation of these new rules has caused disruptions in the industry. With millions of CCTV cameras installed across the country, manufacturers are facing pressure to comply with the stringent testing requirements to ensure the security and integrity of surveillance systems.
Despite the challenges, the Indian government remains firm in its commitment to enforcing the new security rules to protect against potential espionage risks. As the surveillance industry grapples with the implications of these regulations, stakeholders are urging for more clarity and support to navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and national security concerns.
