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UK can manage Huawei ‘risk’

February 18, 2019

Any risks posed by Huawei as a major supplier in UK telecoms can be managed, cyber-security chiefs have determined. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre’s decision contrasts with US efforts to persuade its allies to ban the firm from 5G communications networks.

The Chinese government is accused of using Huawei as a proxy so it can spy on rival nations. But Huawei has said it gives nothing to Beijing, aside from taxes.

Australia, New Zealand, and the US have already banned Huawei from supplying equipment for their future fifth generation mobile broadband networks, while Canada is reviewing whether the company’s products present a serious security threat. However, most of the UK’s mobile companies have been working with Huawei on developing their 5G networks. They are awaiting on a government review, due in March or April, that will decide whether they can use Huawei technology.

According to the Financial Times, the conclusion by the National Cyber Security Centre – part of the intelligence agency GCHQ – will feed into the review.

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