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The British government ordered its agencies to stop installing Chinese surveillance cameras in strategic buildings, citing security risks, CNBC reported.

The decision was made after reviewing current and future possible security risks associated with the installation of visual surveillance systems on government property, Cabinet Secretary Oliver Dowden said in a written statement to Parliament.

The review concluded that additional controls are needed in light of the threat to the U.K. and the increased connectivity of these systems, Dowden said.

The British directive applies to cameras made by companies subject to Chinese security laws and includes guidance for departments to disconnect such devices from major computer networks and consider removing them altogether.

This comes months after dozens of lawmakers called for a ban on the sale and use of security cameras made by Hikvision and Dahua, partially state-owned Chinese firms, over privacy concerns.

Hikvision, in a statement to Reuters, denied the allegations, saying the company would continue to seek to engage with British authorities.

The United States has imposed restrictions on the trade and use of cameras made by Hikvision, Dahua and other Chinese firms.

Most British government agencies use surveillance cameras made by Hikvision or Dahua, privacy group Big Brother Watch said in July.

A number of government departments, including the Home Office and businesses, have installed Hikvision cameras on the facades of their buildings.

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