Media: Hikvision knew its technology was used to monitor Uyghurs

The Hikvision surveillance camera maker knew that its technology was used to monitor the Uyghur minority in China, according to war-crimes prosecutor Richard-Pier Prosper, reports Axios.

The manufacturer had previously denied such accusations. Subsequently, the company hired Prosper for an independent audit.

However, new details from internal contracts and records suggest that Hikvision was likely aware of the use of its devices to target the Uyghurs as a group since 2020. According to the documents, Prosper stressed “serious ethical concerns.”

In a contract titled “Project Moyu” the Uyghurs were described as a “target.” The document contained a call to observe and monitor the minority’s religious sites.

The company had previously advertised its ability to identify and track individual ethnic groups using its cameras. Hikvision said it was gradually moving away from this capability.

But Prosper’s audit asserts that “Project Moyu” included language suggesting “tracking groups, rather than isolating individuals from criminals.”

“We do not think you bear responsibility, but the system had some deficiencies you should have addressed,” Prosper’s findings state.

Hikvision has long been under global scrutiny. Human rights advocates and regulators say the company’s technologies are used by the Chinese government to surveil Uyghurs.

U.S. and U.K. authorities imposed trade restrictions on the manufacturer. Despite the company’s relatively low profile, it приходится almost 20% of the market for video surveillance equipment.

In December 2022, media reported that Hikvision helped Chinese police track protesters.

In the same month, it emerged that the manufacturer advertised facial recognition technologies to European clients despite sanctions.