Canada Orders Chinese Tech Giant Hikvision to Shut Down Over Security Fears
The Canadian government has issued an unprecedented order to a Chinese technology company, Hikvision, to shut down its Canadian operations within 120 days. The move, several years after Hikvision's establishment in Canada, signals a heightened scrutiny of businesses that may pose national security threats.
The order, under the Investment Canada Act, cites potential harm to defence capabilities, technology transfer, critical minerals supply chain, and critical infrastructure. This is not the first such decision in recent years, with similar actions taken against other tech companies and in the critical minerals sector in 2022 and 2024.
Hikvision, however, is contesting the order in the Federal Court. It alleges the decision is unreasonable, procedurally unfair, and driven by improper purposes. The company has sought and obtained a stay of the order pending the proceedings.
The government's order to Hikvision underscores its commitment to protecting national security. The company's challenge, meanwhile, raises questions about the fairness of the process. The outcome of the legal battle will set a significant precedent for future national security reviews.
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