Sen Rubio Asks For Inquiry On Chinese Surveillance Firm Supplying Iran

NBC news has reported that Tiandy, which is providing facial recognition technology to the Chinese authorities is also equipping the Iranian government with surveillance technology.

Sen, Rubio sent a letter to the Biden administration November 30, obtained by NBC, that the company’s dealings with Iran “raise serious questions about whether Tiandy’s products are being used against peaceful Iranian protesters.”

Human rights organizations say that Iran has killed more than 450 protesters since mid-September and imprisoned thousands, sentencing more than a dozen to death.

The company’s website shows that it has sold equipment to Iran’s notorious Revolutionary Guard and other security agencies, while Intel Corp. lists Tiandy as a partner providing its processors for some of the Chinese firm’s video recording equipment.

Sen. Rubio has asked the State, Treasury and Commerce departments to see if Tiandy has violated US laws against assisting organizations violating human rights.

“I request that you determine and report to the Congress whether Tiandy has engaged in conduct that may meet the criteria for designation pursuant to the authorities provided by Congress,” Rubio wrote.

While several Chinese surveillance firms are under US sanctions, Tiandy is not one of them. Experts say the company is one of the most dangerous among similar Chinese firms.