US Commerce Department considers the tech firm a ‘security risk’

Amid the executive order recently-issued by US President Donald Trump banning American firms from utilizing foreign-produced equipment that potentially pose national security threats, effectively banning Chinese firm Huawei, companies such as Google have been forced to suspend business with the tech giant. In response, Globe Telecom reached out to their consumers assuring certain services will continue despite the current situation.
“We have received assurance from Huawei that the company will continue to provide security updates and after sales services to its device users using the Globe network,” the company said in a statement. “We wish to assure our customers that the current situation at Huawei will not impact its network services.”
Additionally, a report from Reuters affirmed current customers will still have access to Google services, such as GMail, along with all corresponding updates.
According to the report, a spokesperson for Google stated, “For users of our services, Google Play and the security protections from Google Play Protect will continue to function on existing Huawei devices.”
Aside from Trump’s order, the US Commerce Department included Huawei and its affiliates on a specific list of firms considered a “risk to national security.”
Earlier this year, Senator Ralph Recto introduced a resolution calling for an inquiry into certain national security risks, specifically in terms of the Chinese government.
“National Intelligence Law of the People’s Republic of China mandates all Chinese organizations and citizens to cooperate with, collaborate in, and guard the secrecy of, the Chinese national intelligence work, with a promise that the Chinese state will protect the individuals and organizations that support, cooperate with, and collaborate in such undertaking,” the resolution read. “National Intelligence Law of the People’s Republic of China authorizes Chinese intelligence agencies to demand necessary support, assistance, and cooperation from relevant institutions, organizations, and citizens.”
The policy noted, “Chinese companies and individuals have also been allegedly involved in espionage and hacking activities over the recent years.”
Huawei is currently the second-largest smartphone producer in the world behind Samsung./WDJ