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21 July 2025

Surfacing Insta360: Strategic Infiltration, Cybersecurity Risks and National Security Implications of China's Action Camera Giant


1. Introduction to Insta360: Based in Shenzhen, Insta360 has gained global recognition for its cutting-edge 360-degree video technology, challenging GoPro in U.S. and international markets. Founded by Jingkang Liu, 

a "40 Under 40" business elite with ties to the CCP through his role as a promotion ambassador for the 5th World Hakka Youth Conference, its products are widely used by 134 million individuals, businesses, government agencies, and the U.S. military. 

2. Partnerships with Huawei and DJI: Insta360’s collaborations with Huawei and DJI— both scrutinized for ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its People’s Liberation Army (PLA)—highlight potential risks of integrating Chinese technology into critical sectors, given concerns about data security and espionage. 

3. Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Insta360 products, including the Insta360 X4, exhibit significant cybersecurity flaws, such as weak hardware protections, unauthenticated data transmission, and excessive data collection, making them vulnerable to exploitation by malicious actors. 

4. Overcollection of User Data: The Insta360 app collects a wide range of user information, including IMEI numbers, location settings, user profiles, and third-party account details, often without meaningful opt-out options, raising serious privacy concerns. 

5. Audio Exfiltration Risks: Audio data captured through Insta360 devices is transmitted to Chinese iFlyTek servers without user notification or clear data usage policies, potentially enabling unauthorized surveillance or data misuse. 

6. National Security Concerns: Insta360’s vulnerabilities present broader national security risks, particularly given its potential alignment with China’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy and the CCP’s ability to compel data access under Chinese law. 

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