On Friday, President Donald Trump made a significant announcement regarding the U.S. government's involvement in the tech industry, revealing that the government would acquire a 10% stake in the hardware manufacturer Intel. This unprecedented move positions the government as a player in the private tech sector, raising questions about the implications of such involvement.
Recent investigations have uncovered that Intel has established partnerships with several Chinese surveillance companies, including Uniview. This firm was placed on a U.S. sanctions list last year due to its role in facilitating human rights violations, particularly through high-technology surveillance targeting the Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities. Uniview has since appealed to the U.S. government to reconsider these sanctions.
Additionally, Intel's Chinese-language website contains references to collaborations with Hikvision, a prominent manufacturer of surveillance cameras that has faced multiple sanctions over the past five years, and Cloudwalk, a facial recognition company that was sanctioned in 2021. Both companies have been accused by the U.S. government of enabling human rights abuses through their surveillance technologies.
Promotional materials on Intel’s website for Hikvision’s “Deep Eye” smart camera highlight the extensive collaboration between the two companies. Hikvision proudly states its “in-depth cooperation with Intel,” showcasing how Intel’s technology is integrated into its surveillance systems. This partnership has reportedly contributed to significant advancements in intelligent video surveillance.
Furthermore, Intel emphasizes its Atom processor's role in Cloudwalk’s Juyan smart cameras, which are primarily utilized in retail settings. An Intel spokesperson, Nancy Sanchez, confirmed the existence of these partnerships but emphasized the company's commitment to adhering to all relevant laws and regulations. She stated, “Intel is dedicated to responsible business practices that guide our operations across our products and supply chain.”
Intel's corporate Human Rights Principles explicitly state that the company does not support its products being used in ways that adversely impact human rights. The principles further clarify that if Intel becomes aware of credible misuse of its products, it will restrict or cease business with the involved partner until it can ensure that its products are not contributing to human rights violations. However, it remains unclear whether Intel’s partnerships with sanctioned firms like Uniview, Hikvision, and Cloudwalk violate these principles.
Experts like Dakota Cary, a fellow at the Atlantic Center’s China Hub, have expressed concerns about the implications of Intel's partnerships. Cary notes that the smart city initiatives in China rely heavily on increased surveillance of the populace. Companies like Hikvision and Uniview have been implicated in the repression of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang province, drawing scrutiny from both the U.S. government and advocacy groups.
Hikvision, which has been under investigation for its alleged role in human rights abuses, was placed on the U.S. Entity List in 2019. This designation means that U.S. companies must obtain permission to sell to Hikvision. Earlier this year, a U.S. appeals court upheld a ban on Hikvision’s equipment by the FCC, further complicating the company's operations.
Intel's relationship with the Chinese government has been tumultuous in recent years. While China was Intel's largest market in 2023, regulatory changes in 2024 indicated a shift away from foreign technology, including Intel processors. Despite this, the company still generated 76% of its sales outside the U.S. While Intel is considered a critical player in the American technology sector and a beneficiary of the Chips Act funding, it continues to face stiff competition from companies like Nvidia and AMD.
As Intel navigates its new partnership with the U.S. government and its existing ties with controversial Chinese firms, the implications for human rights, technology, and international relations remain significant. The future of these collaborations will undoubtedly continue to be scrutinized, as stakeholders from various sectors seek clarity on Intel's commitments and ethical considerations.
