China’s telecom giant Huawei is in deep trouble. The FCC has officially declared it a national security threat, and the U.S. is persuading allies to follow suit.
Several major companies like Google, Microsoft, and chip designer ARM have already cut off ties. The isolation is hitting its business operations hard.
Things are not looking too bright for the company internationally either. Australia and Japan have blocked the rollout of its 5G networks, while India is considering banning the Chinese firm.
So, what is wrong with Huawei? Were the anti-5G conspiracies real?
The Allegations Against Huawei
Several companies and countries have alleged that the Chinese government may use Huawei’s massive network to spy on them and steal both military and corporate secrets.
Here’s some fascinating history. Back in February 2018, the heads of six American intelligence agencies met with a Senate committee and said that they did not trust Huawei.
They also suggested that Americans not use mobile devices or other technology from the company as it may have had links to the Chinese government.
The evidence for all this has not been made public as it’s a matter of national security.
Given the seriousness of actions being taken against Huawei, however, it is likely that the allegations are real.
Chinese companies are not independent of their government. The Chinese government requires its companies to cooperate with it in intelligence gathering.
Exactly as what happened with TikTok’s allegations in the US and ban in India.
Huawei’s founder was a former technologist in the Chinese army, and as such, the company is expected to have strong links to the government.
The accusations that Huawei stole intellectual property from companies first appeared in 2003. One claim from Cisco was settled out of court, but the cases have not stopped there.
The company has also been accused of violating trade sanctions on Iran. Huawei’s CFO was also arrested in connection to this incident.
According to Google’s former CEO Eric Schmidt, there was “no question” that the company transmitted data to Beijing.
All this has lead to several countries banning the company’s technology for their 5G networks.
Which countries have joined the fight against Chinese surveillance?
Who is Attacking Huawei?
At the forefront of the controversy against Huawei is the United States. The country has been using its considerable influence to get allies to avoid using Huawei 5G technology.
The U.S. is also fighting a legal case against Huawei 5G.
In August 2018, the U.S. Congress had passed a bill that prohibited Government agencies from both purchasing and using telecom and surveillance equipment from Chinese suppliers like Huawei.
After just a week, Australia followed suit and passed a similar law that banned firms “likely to be subject to extrajudicial directions of foreign governments.”
Later that year, New Zealand cited “significant national security risks” as the reason for barring the company from taking part in its 5G network rollout.
Canada uses a lot of Huawei equipment. The Canadian government is now debating a possible ban on the company.
Earlier in 2018, the Canadian police had arrested Meng, Huawei’s CFO and the daughter of the founder, for violating sanctions against Iran. She is now out on bail and fighting an extradition battle.
A few days after her arrest, U.K’s B.T Group said that it would remove Huawei’s telecommunications equipment from its systems and not use them any further.
Following all of it, the Japanese and Czech government, the German telecom “Deutsche Telekom”, and the French company “Orange”: all banned, avoided, or warned about Huawei’s intentions.
Is 5G Technology Unsafe?
5G telecommunications is crucial for the next generation of internet infrastructure.
Huawei’s size and influence mean that it has a significant role to play in the development of 5G technologies.
The company says that American restrictions:
“Would affect the maintenance, expansion, and smooth operations of networks worth hundreds of billions of dollars… in more than 170 countries.”
Such a situation can affect the development of vital “international standards” that make technologies safe and standardized around the world.
Standards are critical to technologies and are the reason why people can continue to use their devices without problems when abroad.
But after all, the Department of Commerce just clarified that American firms could work with the company in setting global standards for 5G.
As such, the move was welcomed by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) as it would ensure the continued competitiveness of American enterprises.
How Can You Secure Your Devices?
5G technology will change our lives for the better. However, the controversies around the technology mean that your devices may become at risk.
As the Internet of things connects smart cars, smart homes, and other smart devices to the Internet, maintaining device security is even more critical.
Although you do not want your computers and watches to become surveillance tools for a foreign government.
And even if Huawei’s situation may be resolved, there will still be massive security concerns about IoT and 5G.
That’s why we want to do something about it At GoMyITGuy.
You can trust us with your I.T. Security needs, to enjoy blazing-fast 5G speeds, without the paralyzing fear of being stolen or spied on 24/7.