New technology keeps an eye on security

Hikvision, a Chinese State-owned digital technology company, has signed an agreement with Red Dot Distribution of Tanzania to distribute closed-circuit TV systems and video surveillance technology across the African nation to help boost national security.

The systems will be used to help reduce crime, protect public spaces and increase the safety of the public, businesses and organizations of all kinds.

The next generation of surveillance cameras can recognize faces and objects and even turn video streams into structured data.

The aim is to improve efficiency and security - but it comes at the expense of privacy.

Red Dot Distribution Chief Executive Officer Munir Bharwani says the decision to install HIK Vision and Ezviz products was made after thorough research.

"Red Dot aims to deliver brand-driven value and provide training in security in Tanzania and East Africa," he says.

The Tanzanian company has been distributing products for Hikvision since its inception in 2001.

Daniel Jiang, Hikvision's head of sales in Tanzania and Ethiopia, says closed-circuit TV has become a necessity for any business or public facility.

"Whether these systems are used as a deterrent to crime, or to help in investigating crimes or accidents, closed-circuit TV is a 'must have' as part of any security plan for any business," says Jiang.

The closed-circuit TV and video surveillance systems will be used in areas that attract gatherings, such as malls, hotels, clubs and public places.

Hikvision has also introduced a new technology that reduces the storage space needed for video recording.

The system can be used, for example, to give information about a newcomer entered into the computerized virtual system - and hence indirectly to the relevant authorities - within an hour of their arrival.

The system has been shown to yield good results in traffic cases and in fighting organized crime. The data cloud generated can also be used by people seeking apartments for rent or tourist attractions in a particular area.

In a bid to protect citizens and businesses from hackers and cybercriminals, the Tanzanian government is drafting additional internet legislation.

It hopes to cooperate with China to introduce a Personal Data Protection Act, making cyberspace more secure and protecting users.

The new cyber law could supplement two existing cybercrime laws, the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 and the Electronic Transactions Act of 2015.

The aim is to ensure that the country and its people are safe online and the internet is crime-free.

Hikvision is a leading video surveillance hardware manufacturer and has a wide-reaching global presence. Last year it announced plans to set up an office in Kenya to help with the growing demand for video surveillance equipment in East Africa. The company has one office in South Africa to cater to the whole African market.

Uganda last year struck a deal with China to improve cybersecurity in the country and fight the growing menace of cybercrime. Through a Chinese technology company, the country will receive comprehensive cybersecurity infrastructure to help protect internet users from abuse.

The move supports the African Union's Agenda 2063 goal to eliminate violent conflict by 2020.

For China Daily

(China Daily Africa Weekly 09/08/2017 page27)