Yahoo News Why some experts think you should be worried about Huawei
Huawei is the world’s second-biggest smartphone maker, and is set to be involved in creating Britain’s new hi-tech 5G network – but some security sources worry over the company.
U.S. intelligence agencies have alleged that Huawei is linked to China’s government, and that its equipment could contain ‘backdoors’ which could be used to snoop on or disrupt communications.
The company was founded by a former Chinese military officer, and some experts have alleged that the company still has links to Chinese intelligence.
Washington raised ‘serious concerns over Huawei’s obligations to the Chinese government and the danger that poses to the integrity of telecommunications networks in the US and elsewhere.’
America has called on allies to restrict use of Huawei equipment, but this week a security source said Britain will allow Huawei restricted access to non-core parts of the 5G network, but block it from all core parts of the system.
The move has proved controversial; a YouGov poll of 4873 adults found that 34% opposed Huawei’s involvement, with 22% in support.
A Huawei spokesman said, ‘We welcome reports that the UK government is moving towards allowing Huawei to help build the UK’s 5G networks.’
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Huawei is the world’s largest supplier of telecommunications network equipment and second-biggest maker of smartphones.
It had revenue of £72 billion last year.
Huawei is a world leader in equipment used to build phone networks, and was heavily involved in building the 4G networks in Britain.
Ciaran Martin, the head of the National Cyber Security Centre said that measures would be put in place to ensure the 5G network was ‘sufficiently safe’.
