Your Security Camera Might Be Breaking the Law
And the consequences could be more than just technical —
you could face federal fines, lost contracts, or worse, a broken trust with your customers.
The Brands in Question
The U.S. government officially banned Hikvision and Dahua cameras from use in government agencies and contractors in 2019 — and for good reason.
These cameras aren’t just recording video.
They’re partially owned by the Chinese government.
Where does your footage go?
Who might be watching?
Those aren’t just theoretical questions anymore.
Why Retailers Still Use Them
Retailers are drawn to these brands for one reason: low cost.
But here’s the kicker:
A single banned camera, priced at $200,
can result in federal fines up to $10,000.
If your store has 4–8 of these cameras?
You’re looking at a potential penalty of $40,000–$80,000 per location.
That’s not savings — that’s risk disguised as value.
What You’re Really Risking
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🚫 Fines from federal enforcement
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🛑 Loss of contracts with public-sector clients
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🤝 Loss of customer trust
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⚖️ Legal exposure for compliance violations
What You Should Do Right Now
To protect your store — and your reputation:
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🔍 Check your camera models against the FCC Covered List
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🔁 Replace any banned cameras with alternatives made outside of restricted jurisdictions
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📝 Request written proof from your vendor about where footage is stored
Final Thought
The real price of a cheap camera system isn’t on the sticker.
It’s in the lawsuits, fines, and broken business relationships that follow.
Don’t Be Penny Wise, Pound Foolish
Cutting corners on surveillance can cost you far more than you think.
Protect your business the right way — with legal, transparent, and secure solutions.