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Hikvision and Dahua manufacture 90% of IP cameras worldwide—many sold under American brand names. Learn why these cameras threaten your privacy and national security.
Why This Matters
Chinese camera manufacturers are required by law to cooperate with state intelligence operations. Video from your farm, business, or home could be accessed by foreign governments—even if you use a "American" branded camera that's actually made by Hikvision or Dahua.
Why Chinese cameras are dangerous: backdoors, data exfiltration, human rights abuses
Complete list of camera brands with security concerns and why to avoid them
NDAA-compliant cameras from trusted manufacturers in allied nations
How to securely install and configure cameras to protect your privacy
These companies have been banned by the FCC and added to US government restricted lists due to national security concerns.
42%+ state-owned
World's largest camera maker, linked to Uyghur surveillance
11.67% state-owned
Second-largest maker, ethnic detection technology
41% CCP-owned
Added October 2024, OEM for many Western brands
Many cameras sold under American brand names are actually manufactured by Hikvision, Dahua, or Raysharp. The camera inside is identical—only the logo is different.
| Brand Sold | Actual Manufacturer | Relationship | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lorex | Dahua | Subsidiary | Critical |
| Amcrest | Dahua | OEM Partner | Critical |
| Swann | Raysharp | OEM Partner | Critical |
| Ezviz | Hikvision | Subsidiary | Critical |
| IC Realtime | Dahua | OEM Partner | High |
| GW Security | Raysharp | OEM Partner | High |
How to Check Your Camera
Use the Dahua IP Config Tool to scan your network—it will detect Dahua-manufactured cameras regardless of what brand name is on the case. Check MAC addresses against known Hikvision/Dahua OUIs.
These manufacturers produce cameras without Chinese components, making them safe for use in federal facilities and privacy-conscious homes.
Industry leader, enterprise-grade
Cloud-managed, modern features
Motorola subsidiary
Full NDAA compliance
Good value option
Verify model compliance
90% of IP cameras are made by Chinese manufacturers, often sold under American brand names
Hikvision is 42%+ state-owned; all Chinese companies must comply with intelligence law
Your video footage may be accessible to foreign governments even from 'American' brands
Brand names can deceive—Lorex, Amcrest, Swann use Chinese cameras internally
NDAA-compliant alternatives exist from Axis, Verkada, Pelco, and others