India Enforces CCTV Security Testing Targeting Chinese Surveillance Risks

India has implemented stringent new cybersecurity regulations requiring all internet-connected CCTV cameras to undergo mandatory testing and certification by government labs before being sold, effective April 9, 2025. This policy targets major global manufacturers, including China's Hikvision, Dahua, and Xiaomi, South Korea's Hanwha, and US-based Motorola Solutions, with particular scrutiny on Chinese firms due to concerns over espionage risks stemming from China's intelligence laws and past incidents. Indian officials emphasize the necessity of these measures to secure national surveillance infrastructure, amidst fears that vulnerable cameras could be exploited to transfer sensitive video data abroad. Despite industry warnings about supply disruptions, delayed approvals, and financial losses, the government is enforcing the policy without exceptions, rejecting calls for delays from manufacturers. The move aligns India with other countries like the US, UK, and Australia, which have also imposed restrictions on Chinese surveillance technology, reflecting a broader geopolitical effort to reduce dependence on Chinese components in critical security sectors. The Indian market for CCTV is substantial and growing, with Chinese components comprising 80% of the supply chain, underscoring the policy's significant impact on the global surveillance industry.