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Google suspended some business with Huawei, specifically one that requires the transfer of hardware, software and technical services except those publicly available via open source licensing, Reuters initially reported.
A Google spokesperson confirmed to both the Verge and Reuters was a result of US President Donald Trump’s executive order banning business with companies that are deemed a national security threat to the US, in addition to Huawei being blacklisted by the US Department of Commerce.
We are complying with the order and reviewing the implications,” a Google spokesperson told the Verge.
Owners of existing Huawei devices will still be able to use the apps and receive updates, this only concerns future holders.
“For users of our services, Google Play and the security protections from Google Play Protect will continue to function on existing Huawei devices,” the spokesperson said.
“Huawei will only be able to use the public version of Android and will not be able to get access to proprietary apps and services from Google,” Reuters’ anonymous source said.
Up until now, Google provided access, technical support and collaboration involving its own apps and services. That will stop.
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
Google apps such as Gmail, YouTube and the Chrome browser that are available through Google’s Play Store will disappear from future Huawei handsets as those services are not covered by the open source license and require a commercial agreement with Google.
This is a direct result of US President Donald Trump’s executive order on “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain” from May 15th.
In addition, the US Department of Commerce added Huawei to a list of blacklisted companies that can’t purchase parts and components from US entities.
Department of Commerce Announces the Addition of Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. to the Entity List https://t.co/m89LRXAata
— U.S. Commerce Dept. (@CommerceGov) May 16, 2019
Huawei, on May 16th, Huawei released a statement saying that the US actions were in no one’s interest and they would ultimately backfire.
Statement regarding U.S. Commerce Department’s addition of Huawei on the so-called Entity List pic.twitter.com/XgwS6AXc8G
— Huawei Technologies (@Huawei) May 16, 2019
According to the company, Washington’s decision would only weaken competition, slow down 5G innovation and actually be to the detriment of US users and companies.
Washington’s actions against #Huawei will only serve to weaken competition, slow down #5G innovation and prevent U.S. consumers and businesses from accessing the world’s most advanced communications technology. #HuaweiFacts
— Huawei Facts (@HuaweiFacts) May 17, 2019
On May 18th, Reuters reported that the US Commerce department was planning on scaling back some of the restrictions on Huawei.
It is considering issuing a temporary general license to “prevent the interruption of existing network operations and equipment,” a spokeswoman said.
This is to avoid the possible repercussions the US decision may have on global and specifically US supply chain.
Out of $70 billion Huawei spent buying components in 2018, some $11 billion went to U.S. firms including Qualcomm, Intel Corp and Micron Technology Inc.
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