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Why was Hikvision banned in Canada?
The world of security technology is evolving, and recent events have made it clear that the conversation is no longer just about product features; it’s about trust.
This shift was brought into sharp focus on June 27, 2025, when the Canadian government ordered Hikvision to cease all operations and close its business in the country. This decision came on the heels of a national security review with Canada’s security and intelligence agencies.
As a result, Hikvision is now officially banned from selling products to Canadian government departments, agencies and crown corporations. This move by Canada’s Industry Minister, Mélanie Joly, follows a similar decision in the U.S. in 2022, when the FCC banned the sale and import of Hikvision products.
These actions highlight a growing global concern. And, as a result of the Hikvision camera ban in Canada, government departments, agencies, crown corporations and even Canadian businesses and organizations unimpacted by the ban are reassessing their security technologies.
Get expert guidance on replacing legacy or restricted cameras in Canada with secure, NDAA-compliant alternatives.
- Understand new security regulations
- Compare trusted Hikvision alternatives
- Identify key features for future-proof systems
- Follow a complete replacement checklist
What to look for when choosing a new camera system
For public and private organizations in Canada seeking a new camera system, they must consider the following:
Robust data security
The best camera systems are those that provide robust data security and privacy. With cybersecurity threats on the rise, it is important to seek a camera system that is:
- From a provider with a clear policy on how data is used, managed and secured
- Built on a cyber-secure platform
- Compliant with local, federal and industry regulations and standards
- Able to provide routine software updates for effective patch management
Reliability
Reliable cameras that provide the features and capabilities needed to maintain safety are crucial to an effective security strategy. Therefore, cameras should have:
- A strong reputation for delivering reliability
- Features and capabilities for detailed images, low-light visibility, AI-powered threat detection and more
- Features that allow for durability in any environment
Integration capabilities and scalability
Whether your organization is planning to install new cameras or replace an existing Hikvision system, look for one that provides integration capabilities to help:
- Seamlessly integrate into wider security systems, such as access control and alarms
- Reduce deployment costs and potentially avoid a complete overhaul
Customer support
To help organizations optimize their video security and get help, great customer support is vital. Seek a camera provider that:
- Offers comprehensive customer support, from initial quotes to post-installation
- Provides multiple ways to get support, including call, email, SMS, online resource library and more
- Offers detailed training guides and resources
- Trusted globally for over 65 years
- Durable options for all environments
- AI analytics for enhanced threat detection
- Seamless integration with existing systems
Conclusion
The recent Hikvision camera ban in Canada highlights the importance of secure, reliable and compliant video security. As private and public organizations reassess their physical security strategy and infrastructure, selecting a camera system that provides robust data security and privacy, integration capabilities and reliable performance is crucial.
With its NDAA-compliant cameras built on a cybersecure platform, Pelco offers a comprehensive range of ONVIF-conformant cameras that stand out among the competition, including Hikvision, making them the ideal choice for organizations looking to navigate the Hikvision Canada ban.
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