Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird Sues ADI Over Alleged Camera Security Misrepresentations
The Attorney General alleges the distributor concealed manufacturers and security risks associated with surveillance cameras sold to Iowa consumers.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Oct 13, 2026
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has sued ADI Global Distribution Inc., alleging the distributor misled Iowa buyers about surveillance camera manufacturers and security risks. Her office announced the action under the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act.
The petition names Hikvision and Dahua, two Chinese companies whose equipment ADI allegedly marketed without adequate disclosures. It cites several designations involving both companies. The U.S. Department of Defense has designated both as “Chinese military companies;” the Department of Commerce placed both companies on its Entity List. The Federal Communications Commission also placed specific telecommunications and surveillance equipment from both companies on its
“Covered List.”
The state argues those designations and associated restrictions were relevant to purchasing decisions. The petition claims concern alleged misrepresentations and omissions, rather than Chinese ownership alone.
Attorney General Bird’s office alleges the cameras presented risks to private data and location information. The petition cites reported vulnerabilities involving both Hikvision and Dahua, congressional warnings about potential Chinese intelligence access to surveillance equipment and a demonstration of unauthorized access to Hikvision cameras. Those examples do not establish that Chinese authorities accessed an Iowa customer’s information.
The state alleges, on information and belief, that ADI sold Dahua-manufactured cameras under its Capture brand in 2021 and 2022 without identifying Dahua to Iowa buyers. It also challenges website assurances that Hikvision surveillance data would remain on customers’ local networks.
Another allegation, also made on information and belief, concerns a Hikvision camera advertised as compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act.
The petition, addressed to Polk County District Court, requests injunctions, consumer reimbursement, disgorgement and civil penalties of up to $40,000 per violation. These are requested remedies, not penalties already imposed.
ADI Global Distribution was contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of writing.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor of Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.