British authorities have imposed restrictions on the fire alarm systems manufacturer FireBlitz Extinguisher, which is linked to Chinese companies, according to the Telegraph newspaper.
The company, based in Kent, was acquired by the Canadian firm Maple Armor, which in turn is owned by the Chinese company Jade Bird headquartered in Beijing. Beijing University is the largest shareholder of Jade Bird.
FireBlitz Extinguisher supplies equipment to various UK government institutions. The authorities have prohibited the company from developing, manufacturing, and promoting Internet of Things (IoT) devices, as well as from selling its products in partnership with companies outside a “pre-approved list.” Additionally, restrictions have been placed on sharing data with “certain individuals.”
The reasons for these restrictions have not been officially disclosed but are based on government powers under the 2021 National Security and Investment Act, which allows blocking deals deemed a potential risk to national security.
