Smart City initiative not linked to Chinese says Darwin Council

DARWIN City Council says the notion that Chinese technology has been used in its Switching on Darwin surveillance project is false

Darwin City Council says the notion that Chinese technology has been used in its Switching on Darwin surveillance project is not true. Picture: Glenn Campbell

DARWIN City Council says the notion that Chinese technology has been used in its Switching on Darwin surveillance project is false.

Council chief executive Scott Waters refuted claims by a strategic think tank that data gathered through its Smart City initiative would end up with the Chinese Government.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute defence strategy and capability senior analyst Malcolm Davis on Wednesday said he was concerned by the notion of Chinese surveillance technology being used in an Australian city.

TOP STORIES

DARWIN baby dies from case of Meningococcal

BIKIE clubhouse raided by cops

CROC from hell missing part of top jaw

CIRCUS left reeling after clown attack

JAIL threat for former Darwin council candidate

PROPERTIES at risk as bushfire burns through 500ha

“There is always potential risk that information – whether it be surveillance, personal information or data about a person’s activities such as the use of the internet – can be accessed by the company that establishes that city’s Smart City network,” Dr Davis said.

“If you understand anything about the way Chinese companies do business, as according to Chinese law, they are required to provide that information to the Chinese Government, including the Ministry of State Security.”

The technology has been described as being “Chinese-inspired”.

But Mr Waters said no Chinese company was involved in the actual roll out.

“That is just plain wrong,” Mr Waters said.

OUR best value NT News subscription deal yet: $1 a week for the first 12 weeks

“This project has used technologies endorsed by the NT Police, Telstra and others.

“City of Darwin was the project manager, Telstra the lead contractor and NT companies subcontractors; Security Technology Services and Top End Race delivered, installed and are testing the CCTV.

“In delivering this project we have focused on using local contractors and Australian companies, with Telstra the lead contractor.

DIGITAL members only: Your chance to win $20,000 in exclusive +Rewards competition

“All technology used, including the CCTV cameras and Wi-Fi, have been endorsed by third parties, including the Northern Territory Police and Telstra.” The CCTV cameras used were developed by a UK company, he said.