Google stops Huawei from using apps like Gmail, Maps on phones
Google has blocked Huawei from using its apps on phones. The Chinese company is one of a number of phone manufacturers who use Google’s Android operating system on its phones and tablets.
The Verge has reported that Google has cut off Huawei’s licence – meaning it will no longer be able to use apps like Maps and Gmail and will not have access to security updates.
Existing customers will be able to update their phones and apps, but will not be able to update to a newer version of the Android operating system if one becomes available.
For Huawei users’ questions regarding our steps to comply w/ the recent US government actions: We assure you while we are complying with all US gov’t requirements, services like Google Play & security from Google Play Protect will keep functioning on your existing Huawei device.
— Android (@Android) May 20, 2019
Android said it had taken steps to “comply with the recent US government actions”.
This could be a reference to US president Donald Trump’s executive order apparently aimed at banning Huawei’s equipment from US networks and said it was subjecting the Chinese company to strict export controls.
The order – which empowers the US government to ban the technology and services of “foreign adversaries” deemed to pose “unacceptable risks” to national security – did not name specific countries or companies.
Meanwhile, retired brigadier general Robert Spalding, the former senior director for strategy at the National Security Council, wrote in the Daily Telegraph that the UK “must recognise” the strength of US feeling on Huawei.
He wrote: “Other nations must not make the mistake of thinking President Trump’s recent executive order banning companies like Huawei from US networks is merely an afterthought of the trade war.
“The severity of President Trump’s declaration underscores just how seriously the US views this issue, and the UK must recognise this strength of feeling.
“To miss the significance of his actions would be a grave misjudgment of how seriously we take our security in an ever-more dangerous world.”
However, Kate Bevan, Editor of Which? Computing, said that the current situation is unacceptable for consumers and that anyone who bought a phone online in the last 14 days can return it under Consumer Contracts Regulations.
“It’s unacceptable for consumers to be left without adequate security on their mobiles and Huawei owners will be seeking urgent reassurance that the safety of their devices will not be compromised,” she said.
“In this situation, your consumer rights are limited as there’s currently nothing faulty with these phones. However, if you purchased a phone in recent weeks it may be worth checking the retailer’s returns policy.”
