Google Warns Customers Against Sideloading Android Apps on ‘Uncertified’ Huawei Phones

Huawei cut off Google’s software, including the newest editions of the Android system, after the US initiated its crackdown campaign against the Chinese tech giant in May 2019.

Google has published an explainer aimed to clarify the ongoing situation with Huawei, which has been on the US Department of Commerce’s blacklist since last year.

While stopping short of speculating whether Huawei poses any threat to US national security, Ostrowski instead focused on “protecting the security of Google users on the millions of existing Huawei devices around the world”.

In this vein, Ostrowski recalled that US legislation currently allows Google “to only work with Huawei on device models available to the public on or before 16 May 2019”.

He added that US government restrictions stipulate that Google’s apps and services will not be available “for preload or sideload” on new Huawei smartphones which are considered “uncertified”.

He explained that all those users who want to check if their devices are certified should open the Google Play Store app on their Android phones, tap “Menu” and look for “settings”.  It will help them find out whether their devices are certified under “Play Protect certification”, Ostrowski concluded.

US Clampdown on Huawei

His remarks come amid the ongoing US crackdown on the Chinese tech giant, which kicked off in May 2019, when the US Department of Commerce prohibited internet providers from using Huawei products and US tech companies from selling technologies (hardware and software) to Huawei without obtaining a special licence first.

The US claims that Huawei is working with the Chinese government to allow the latter to spy on those who use the tech giant’s equipment.

Beijing and Huawei vehemently deny these claims, with the tech giant vowing to combat the US move in court.

Sourse: sputniknews.com