Google warns Huawei ban could pose national security risks

While Google is in full compliance with the U.S government ban on working with Huawei, it is reportedly concerned that the ban would end up compromising U.S national security.

In a report by the Financial Times, Google believes a Huawei-modified version of Android could have more bugs and is more easily hacked. Google is said to be working with the Department of Commerce to get another extension or an exemption from the ban.

Like other US companies, we're engaging with the Department of Commerce to ensure we're in full compliance with its requirements and temporary licence. Our focus is protecting the security of Google users on the millions of existing Huawei handsets in the US and around the world.

Huawei has been developing its own mobile OS since 2012 for "worst-case scenarios" like a U.S ban. The mobile OS is reportedly named "HongMeng" and will gradually replace Android OS according to Global Times.

Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei's consumer business, told CNBC that the OS could be ready for use in phones and tablets later this year. Huawei also has been building its own app store, App Gallery since 2018 and is rumored to be in talks with third-party Android app store Aptoide on a possible partnership.

Source: Financial Times via Android Central