Google bans Huawei from using Android services

Google has barred Chinese smartphone maker Huawei from some updates to the Android operating system. This came after US President Donald Trump’s administration added Huawei to a list of companies that American firms cannot trade with unless they have a licence. "Complying with the order and reviewing the implications,” Google said in a statement. Several countries have raised concerns that Huawei gear could be used by China for surveillance.

Google has assured existing users that “services like Google Play and security from Google Play Protect will keep functioning on your existing Huawei device.”

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

Huawei however has said its work does not pose any threats and that it is independent from the Chinese government.

Earlier, Huawei founder had said that Huawei is ready to deal with Washington's crackdown and will reduce its reliance on US components. "We have already been preparing for this," Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei said.

Huawei is a rapidly expanding leader in 5G technology but remains dependent on foreign suppliers.  It buys about USD 67 billion worth of components each year, including about USD 11 billion from US suppliers, according to The Nikkei business daily.

US government agencies are already banned from buying equipment from Huawei. Huawei claims to have nearly 190,000 employees, operates in 170 countries, and reported revenue of more than USD 100 billion in 2018.