South Korea Removes 1,300 Chinese Surveillance Cameras Citing Security Risks

South Korea's military has removed 1,300 Chinese-made surveillance cameras from bases due to security concerns. These cameras, discovered to be of Chinese origin during inspections, were not used for high-security operations. The government is replacing them amid broader concerns over technology security risks.

South Korea's military has recently taken down approximately 1,300 Chinese-made surveillance cameras from their bases, following concerns about potential security risks, according to a report by Yonhap news agency on Friday, which cited an unnamed military official.

The surveillance cameras were designed to connect to a specific server in China, heightening concerns. However, Yonhap reported that no actual data was leaked. Supplied by a South Korean company, the Chinese origin of the equipment was confirmed during inspections conducted earlier this year.

The cameras were in place for monitoring training groups and perimeter fences, not for guard operations along the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. On Friday, South Korea's defense ministry announced the ongoing process of collecting and replacing the foreign-made cameras with alternatives, without confirming the country of origin. This move follows Australia's similar action last year to remove Chinese-made surveillance technology due to security concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)