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Google bars Huawei from part of Android operating system

Published on: 20 May 2019

Google has stopped the Chinese technology giant Huawei from accessing some updates to its Android operating system amid fears that its equipment could be used by the Chinese government to spy on western internet networks.

The development means new Huawei smartphones will lose some access to Google apps that could include YouTube and Maps, although Huawei said it will continue to provide security updates and services to existing customers.

It came after the American government added Huawei to a blacklist of companies that US firms cannot do business with unless they have a licence.

A statement from Google said it was "complying with the order and reviewing the implications".

It may mean that when Google launches the next version of the Android OS later in 2019, Huawei devices will not be able to support it, something that is sure to be a major blow for the Chinese firm.

Huawei has denied it poses any threat to security and insists it has no connection with the Chinese government or spying activities.