In order to build the key parts of the UK’s 5G network, Theresa May finally allowed the Huawei. Amidst the fears that the Chinese government will spy on the users of the network, this decision was initiated in the favor of Huawei.
The company has allowed only to build the non-core infrastructural parts like antennas to keep the passed over information safe, disclosed the government officials.
However, Margot James, Digital Minister in the UK dismissed about any final decision executed on this matter yet. He said, “in spite of the Cabinet leak, there is no final decision made yet on the threat management to telecom infrastructure”
The Conservation chairman of Britain Foreign Affairs Committee suggests that this decision will make the market for UK internet users unsafe and strongly condemned it.
He added that there is no clear way of differentiating between the core and non-core infrastructure due to the way of building the network. The definition of the two is very difficult when it comes to 5G and it raises concerns of safety for the UK users.
As the 5G internet system can genuinely correct everything from a faster internet system, it is very difficult to draw a line between the core and non-core infrastructure under it.
Including the home secretary Sajid Javid, many other ministers like defence secretary Gavin Williamson, international development secretary Penny Mordaunt, foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt and international trade secretary Liam Fox have raised their concerns about this decision, mentioned by The Daily Telegraph.
Alex Younger, MI6 Chief commented, “Britain should decide about their ‘comfortability’ on allowing the Chinese firms to b involved”. Jeremy Fleming, the head of GCHQ mentioned about the threat and opportunities involved with the decision.
Many critics mentioned their concerns regarding the technological ‘back door’ installation by the Chinese government to spy on or even a threat to disable the network system of Britain.
Many senior security figures also warned publicly regarding the risks entailed to Britain’s critical communication networks by allowing access to the Chinese firm.
A government-led committee found “significant technological issues with Huawei’s products” leading the risk for UK communications.
However, Huawei clearly denied its association with the Chinese government but the experts questioned the independence of any large Chinese company and its legal obligation for the cooperation with the State intelligence agencies.
