Germany plans to exclude Huawei from 5G rollout amid cyber espionage fears
The German government is looking for ways to exclude Huawei from its 5G infrastructure plans amid growing fears of cyber espionage, it is reported.
Germany is considering introducing stricter security standards to effectively block the Chinese telecoms giant from its 5G rollout, Reuters reported, citing local media.
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The move comes amid growing concern among Western governments that Huawei’s devices could be used for spying by Chinese authorities.
But the plans mark a shift for Germany, which had previously ruled out excluding any telecoms firms from its upcoming 5G auction.
In a recent statement Germany’s economics ministry said the security of its 5G networks was “extremely important”, Reuters reported.
Australia and New Zealand have already brought in bans as the US leads calls for the international community not to work with the Chinese firm. The US has warned the equipment may contain “back doors” that could be used for cyber espionage.
Despite the growing pressure, Huawei said it expects full-year revenues of $108.5bn (£85.7), a rise of 21 per cent on last year.
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Tensions mounted last week after Polish authorities arrested Huawei employee Wang Weijing on spying charges. The company dismissed Weijing soon afterwards, saying his alleged offences had no relation to the company.
In December Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested on suspicion of violating US sanctions relating to Iran. She remains in custody in Canada awaiting possible extradition to the US.