FBI and Other U.S. Intelligence Agencies Warn U.S. Consumers Not to Use Huawei

The heads of six intelligence agencies joined US Senate Intelligence Committee hearings. At the hearing, they advised Americans to avoid Huawei’s products and services.

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Heads of CIA, FBI, NSA and other national intelligence agencies expressed concern that devices from Huawei and other Chinese brands like ZTE could be used as conduits for spying, posing cybersecurity risks.

During the hearings, the executives said that they advise U.S. citizens to avoid Huawei’s products and services. “Allowing any company or entity that has a commitment to a foreign government with which we have different values to play an influential role in our telecommunications sector is a cause of deep concern,” said Chris Wray, FBI director.

“That would give them the ability to exert pressure on us or control our telecommunications infrastructure, and also give them the ability to maliciously modify or steal our information, and even enable them to carry out espionage that we cannot detect,” he said.

Huawei has struggled to enter the U.S. market. Initially, Huawei tried to strike a deal with AT&T, but failed, presumably in part due to pressure from U.S. lawmakers. Still, Huawei said its products will be launched in the US market.

Last month, CEO of Huawei’s Consumer Business Group Richard Yu criticized U.S. operators for depriving customers of the right to choose.