{
  "id": 19694197,
  "title": "Intelligence Agencies Flag Security Risks In ‘Made In India’ CCTV Cameras With Chinese-Origin Technology",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/intelligence-agencies-flag-security-risks-in-made-in-india-cctv",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T18:34:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/intelligence-agencies-flag-security-risks-in-made-in-india-cctv-cameras-with-chinese-origin-technology"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Intelligence agencies have raised security concerns over CCTV cameras marketed as \"Made in India\" that contain Chinese-origin technology. The issue was discussed during a meeting of the Cyber Multi-Agency Centre (CyMAC), where officials warned that these cameras could potentially leak sensitive information to foreign servers. They flagged vulnerabilities in such systems, which could be exploited for espionage or to disrupt security monitoring during emergencies.\n\nThe government introduced restrictions on purchasing surveillance equipment from Chinese and other foreign manufacturers, prioritizing Indian companies that comply with security standards. In 2021, concerns were acknowledged about CCTV footage being transmitted to overseas servers. Further restrictions were implemented in 2024, requiring mandatory testing and certification for internet-connected CCTV cameras from April 1, 2026. This assessment covers hardware, software, and firmware, including source code.\n\nIndian-manufactured cameras have reportedly been installed at government establishments and private organizations, but some contain Chinese-origin components, raising security concerns. Potential risks include espionage, data leaks, and providing cyber attackers with an entry point into connected networks. In a recent case, Pakistani-linked espionage network allegedly installed nine Chinese surveillance cameras near military locations in India, transmitting live footage to Pakistan-based handlers.\n\nThe intelligence inputs also raised concerns about cameras marketed by Indian companies containing Chinese-origin technology, despite carrying the \"Made in India\" label. This is partly due to white-labelling, where companies import individual components and assemble them domestically, making it difficult to establish the true origin of the technology. The new CCTV rules, effective from April 1, 2026, require internet-connected cameras to comply with the government's STQC framework, including disclosing the origin of critical components and subjecting products to hardware and cybersecurity testing.",
  "summary": "Mumbai, November 12, 2026: CCTV cameras guarding sensitive establishments could themselves pose a security risk, with intelligence agencies flagging Chinese-origin processors, software and firmware in devices marketed as ‘Made in India’ and warning of possible data leaks to foreign servers. The concern is that CCTV systems connected to the internet through Wi-Fi networks could transmit live…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}