As the Trump administration attempts to persuade allies to ban Huawei from supplying telecommunications systems due to concerns of espionage, British intelligence has concluded that the risks from using the company’s equipment in 5G networks can be limited, according to the Financial Times.
Alex Younger, head of MI6, told the FT that Britain might take a softer stance on Huawei, adding that it was an issue that is more complicated than simply being “in or out”.
Huawei has so far won 30 commercial 5G contracts worldwide, 18 of which are from Europe.
Germany is still undecided on whether to let Huawei supply equipment for its planned 5G networks, though it is likely that Huawei will face tighter restrictions if it continues to do business in the country.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told Reuters last month that Paris was aware of the risks of Huawei accessing to mobile networks, and said the French government would “take the necessary steps when needed”.
Other nations, such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, have banned Huawei products from their 5G infrastructure outright.
Andy Purdy, chief security officer at Huawei Technologies USA, told Reuters last week that the company is ready to face extra security scrutiny to absolve it from allegations of espionage.
Editor: Brady Ng
