High-Tech Chinese 'Border Scanners' Raise Transparency, Privacy Questions In Serbia

BELGRADE - New mobile scanners donated by China to Serbia are raising new questions about the protection of personal data and transparency in how Belgrade is deploying Chinese technology along its borders. The ministry did not specify the value of the donated equipment or specify the manufacturer, but photos of the new scanners in place along the Serbian-Bulgarian border show that they are made by the Chinese company Nuctech, the world's leading manufacturer of X-ray machines, scanners, and explosive-detection systems. Data security questions around the use of Nuctech's equipment amid increased migration are not unique to Serbia. Nuctech did not respond to RFE/RL's requests about data concerns related to its equipment, but the company has previously rejected such allegations, stating after the release of that letter that "All data generated by our devices belongs to Nuctech customers" and not to the company, EU countries, or the Chinese government. Lithuania reached an agreement with the Chinese company to supply baggage scanners for airports in the country, but canceled the contract in 2021 after the Lithuanian Defense Ministry raised national security concerns about Nuctech's equipment and data issues, a ministry spokesperson told RFE/RL. Belgium also decided earlier this year to exclude Nuctech from a tender to supply X-ray scanners for vehicles and containers at customs checkpoints in the country. Serbia has purchased Nuctech equipment in the past to operate along its borders, with the first acquisition of scanners in 2009. Questions due to a lack of transparency in using Chinese technology and managing sensitive personal data are not only attached to Nuctech's equipment in Serbia.