The article discusses the widespread use of Chinese-made surveillance cameras in Georgia, particularly in government agencies and private businesses. The report by Radio Tavisupleba (RFE/RL) highlights concerns about the security of these cameras, which are often vulnerable to hacker attacks due to their technical limitations.
According to the report, 70-80% of government agencies are equipped with Chinese-made surveillance cameras from Hikvision, a company that has been accused of having ties with the Chinese government. The report quotes an IT and surveillance camera specialist as saying that these cameras have a security issue, making it difficult to track who has access to the footage.
The article also mentions that since January 1, 2024, the government of Tbilisi requires businesses with a turnover exceeding 500,000 GEL to install surveillance cameras. This includes wholesale and retail facilities, hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as casinos, tobacco bars, medical institutions, markets, shopping centers, gas stations, microfinance firms, and currency exchange booths.
The report notes that while surveillance cameras may reduce crime by 13%, according to a study published in 2020, they have no impact on violent crimes. Former Georgian State Inspector Londa Toloraia is quoted as saying that systemic failures in data processing are a major issue, with many agencies failing to track who accesses or manipulates footage.
Toloraia highlights significant problems within the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) related to the disorganization of video surveillance systems. She notes that when it suits them, records exist, but when they don‘t need them, they usually don’t exist. This can be used to cover up police misconduct or ignore complaints.
The report also mentions a case where MIA allegedly accessed footage from private businesses without a court order and published it on the day of a journalist’s death, which tarnished his reputation.