Politicians Pressure Costco to Drop Surveillance Gear Over Human Rights Concerns
In a recent bipartisan letter, US lawmakers expressed “puzzling” dismay that Costco continues selling surveillance equipment from Lorex, a company connected to human rights abuses in China.
The letter notes Lorex’s parent, Dahua, faces sanctions for supplying technology assisting China’s oppression of Uyghur Muslims. Despite this, and security flaws found in Lorex products, Costco persists while competitors like Home Depot, Best Buy and Lowe’s cut ties years ago.
Raising prospective legal violations, the politicians question how Costco’s actions square with its professed ethics. They highlight concerning requirements on Dahua/Lorex to aid Chinese intelligence work.
Though Skywatch now owns Lorex, lawmakers argue core security risks from Dahua components remain. They’ve asked Costco to explain compliance with sanctions and values, detailing interactions surrounding controversial seafood imports too.
Costco’s apparent disregard for these political and consumer issues contrasts with peers adjusting policies proactively. As geopolitical tensions rise over technology and human rights, continued Lorex sales risk damaging Costco’s reputation and relations.
With public accountability growing for corporations on such issues, Costco would be wise to reevaluate promptly to reassure lawmakers and customers.
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Read more: https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/01/lawmakers-costco-lorex-dahua-entity-list/
