Ipswich's 125 CCTV cameras watching public areas are controlled by a system provided by a Chinese company with close links to that country's government we can reveal today.
The Chinese government has a considerable stake in the technology company Dahua - and it is one of a number of firms that the UK Government has warned could compromise security.
The UK government has warned government departments and other public sector bodies, especially police forces, to take great care about dealing with a number of Chinese firms, including Dahua.
In November Cabinet Minister Oliver Dowden said government departments would be told to stop installing cameras made by companies with close links to the Chinese state in any sensitive areas.
There have been fears that hidden software could make such cameras a security risk.
Two of the largest companies involved in the manufacture and operation of security cameras are Dahua and Hikvision.
Both have very close links to the Chinese government - and there have been suggestions that their equipment has been used in the suppression of dissidents in that country.
While Ipswich council uses Dahua cameras around its offices in Russell Road, on the opposite side, Suffolk Council has Hikvision cameras on Endeavour House.
And they are operated by councils and government departments the length and breadth of the UK - and in many countries across the world.
A borough spokesperson said: “Ipswich council operates a Dahua recording system and video wall which includes approximately 125 public space CCTV cameras.
"CCTV cameras installed at IBC sites are of varying manufacturers. We take the security of our CCTV systems very seriously.
"If any guidance is issued by Government on this matter, the Council will give due regard to this.”
A spokesperson for Suffolk County Council was confident its experts would be able to deal with any spy software they might find: "We have Hikvision cameras installed at some of our sites around Suffolk, including Endeavour House in Ipswich.
"On installation, our IT team removes all the standard settings and integrates them into our own secure network. We have no plans to replace them as we are confident that they are completely secure."
Both Dahua and Hikvision have denied that they have any involvement in suppressing freedoms in China - or that their equipment poses any threat to any other countries.
However they are subject to strict Chinese intelligence laws that concern democratic governments across the globe.
In a House of Commons statement Mr Dowden said: "The Government Security Group has undertaken a review of the current and future possible security risks associated with the installation of visual surveillance systems on the government estate.
"The review has concluded that, in light of the threat to the UK and the increasing capability and connectivity of these systems, additional controls are required.
"Departments have therefore been instructed to cease deployment of such equipment onto sensitive sites, where it is produced by companies subject to the National Intelligence Law of the People’s Republic of China.
"Since security considerations are always paramount around these sites, we are taking action now to prevent any security risks materialising.
"Additionally, departments have been advised that no such equipment should be connected to departmental core networks and that they should consider whether they should remove and replace such equipment where it is deployed on sensitive sites rather than awaiting any scheduled upgrades."
Ipswich MP Tom Hunt said it was important for the councils to be aware of the concerns about the Chinese-made surveillance equipment - but he did not see the need for an immediate reaction.
He said: "My feeling is that they should look at how the cameras operate and may feel they should look at other sources when they need to be replaced.
"But I don't think it is necessary to immediately go out and rip them out straight away."
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