Security measures surrounding two of the world’s most significant symbols of democracy—the Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral and the Parthenon in Greece—are under intense scrutiny due to their use of Chinese-made CCTV cameras. These devices, manufactured by Dahua Technology and Hikvision, have been linked to troubling human rights violations and geopolitical concerns, raising alarms among campaigners and advocacy groups.
Surveillance Technology and Human Rights Violations
The cameras in question are reportedly implicated in facilitating human rights abuses in China, particularly in the Xinjiang region, where the Uyghur population has faced systemic persecution. The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has voiced strong objections to their installation at Salisbury Cathedral, which is home to one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, sealed by King John in 1215. This historic document is widely regarded as a cornerstone of modern democratic governance and a foundational text for human rights.
In correspondence obtained by The Update Desk, the WUC expressed their dismay that technology from Dahua, which they claim has been involved in oppressive surveillance of Uyghurs, is being used to protect a site heralded as a beacon of social justice. “It is particularly painful that the technologies of such companies are being used to protect one of the most prominent symbols of democracy and freedom,” the WUC stated in their letter to the cathedral’s security head.
The Risks of Chinese Technology
Dahua Technology has made bold claims about its surveillance systems, asserting that their low-light cameras enhance the safety of the Magna Carta. However, growing concerns regarding the potential for remote access and espionage have led to the removal of similar technologies from sensitive UK government locations. Underlining these fears, the WUC pointed to evidence of Dahua’s involvement in designing facial recognition systems aimed at identifying Uyghurs, thus fuelling the call for their cameras to be dismantled from the cathedral.
The concerns extend beyond human rights; Ukrainian representatives have also highlighted risks associated with Hikvision cameras installed at the Parthenon. According to Oleksii Kuprienko from the Ukrainian organisation Don’t Fund Russian Army, there have been alarming instances where footage from these cameras has been hacked and used for military reconnaissance during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reports have indicated that Russian forces accessed this footage to assess the effectiveness of missile strikes on Ukrainian positions, raising the stakes on the implications of foreign surveillance at these historically significant sites.
The Response from Authorities
Salisbury Cathedral has thus far remained noncommittal about the calls for removing the cameras. A spokesperson acknowledged that they had not received the WUC’s letter, albeit evidence suggests it was dispatched on 22 December. The cathedral’s representatives have reiterated that security systems are regularly evaluated in collaboration with external advisers, yet they have opted not to disclose specific details regarding their security arrangements.
In a parallel situation, the WUC has reached out to Greek authorities regarding the Hikvision cameras at the Parthenon, urging their removal in light of similar concerns. Despite the serious nature of these allegations, both Dahua and Hikvision have not responded to requests for comment, leaving many questions unanswered.
Why it Matters
The intersection of technology and human rights is becoming increasingly critical as we navigate a world that is both interconnected and fraught with ethical dilemmas. The presence of Chinese surveillance technology at revered sites such as the Magna Carta and the Parthenon serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding global commerce and human rights. The potential for these technologies to be exploited for oppressive purposes raises fundamental questions about accountability and the moral implications of prioritising security over ethical considerations. As discussions continue, the implications for democracy and human rights worldwide are profound, necessitating a vigilant approach to safeguarding these cherished symbols against the shadow of oppression.
