Search giant Google has issued a warning to Huawei device owners urging them not to bypass the ban on Google apps affecting newer Huawei cellphones.

Apparently, recent Huawei devices are unable to download the Google Play app store or hugely popular apps such as Gmail, YouTube, or Google Maps. However, Android phones allow users to install apps from unverified sources.

However, Google has now warned against this “sideloading” — manually installing app files found online — describing the practice as “high risk”, as the files may have been tampered with.

Google says it has “continued to receive a number of questions about new Huawei devices (e.g., new models launching now, or earlier models launched after May 16, 2019 but now becoming available in new regions of the world) and whether Google’s apps and services can be used on these devices,” which is why it’s decided to “provide clear guidance to those asking these important questions.”

What Google says about its apps

The restrictions on Google apps date back to May 2019, when the US government placed Huawei on a trading restrictions database called the “entity list”.

That restricts what kind of deals US businesses – such as Google – can do with the company.

And because Google owns the Android phone operating system, that decision has affected Huawei’s Android phones.

Google said it was now releasing official advice because “we have continued to receive a number of questions about new Huawei devices”.

But the situation remained that ” Google’s apps and services are not available for preload or sideload” on those phones.

As the global fallout surrounding the US ban on Huawei continues, Google has not involved itself in the row between US officials and the Chinese-owned company and still provides security and other updates to older phones, which it is legally allowed to do.

But it cannot certify Huawei’s new devices.

Only Android devices certified under Google’s “Play Protect certified” programme are allowed to have the Play store and other core Google apps.

The company says the programme is “a rigorous security review and compatibility testing process”. And every Android manufacturer using Google’s services must go through this process.

But the US trading restrictions mean Huawei cannot do so.

CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood said:

There will be many scammers who will see Huawei’s difficulties as an opportunity to get malicious code on to people’s smartphones, … It’s a huge risk for a consumer to scour the web in search of APKs [Android files] that purport to offer Google’s missing services.

What does Huawei say?

Huawei strongly denies any wrongdoing that may have put it in the sights of US authorities and believes the restrictions are designed to protect US technology companies from competition.

It has labelled the allegations against it – and charges of racketeering and stealing trade secrets – as “nothing but a smokescreen”.

The row was “hugely confusing for consumers”, Mr Wood said, adding:

It’s understandable that consumers struggle to understand that Huawei is caught up in the current geopolitical tensions between the US and China,

Despite the challenges, Huawei has remained one of the top smartphone manufacturers in the world, with between 15%-20% of the market, which puts it behind only Apple and Samsung.

Part of the reason may be its continuing popularity in its native China, which is a large market for every manufacturer.

What does Huawei say?

Huawei strongly denies any wrongdoing that may have put it in the sights of US authorities and believes the restrictions are designed to protect US technology companies from competition.

It has labelled the allegations against it – and charges of racketeering and stealing trade secrets – as “nothing but a smokescreen”.

The row was “hugely confusing for consumers”, Mr Wood said.

“It’s understandable that consumers struggle to understand that Huawei is caught up in the current geopolitical tensions between the US and China,” he added.

Despite the challenges, Huawei has remained one of the top smartphone manufacturers in the world, with between 15%-20% of the market, which puts it behind only Apple and Samsung.

Part of the reason may be its continuing popularity in its native China, which is a large market for every manufacturer.

Sources: BBC News, TechRader

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Peter Borner
Executive Chairman and Chief Trust Officer

As Co-founder, Executive Chairman and Chief Trust Officer of The Data Privacy Group, Peter Borner leverages over 30 years of expertise to drive revenue for organisations by prioritising trust. Peter shapes tailored strategies to help businesses reap the rewards of increased customer loyalty, improved reputation, and, ultimately, higher revenue. His approach provides clients with ongoing peace of mind, solidifying their foundation in the realm of digital trust.

Specialises in: Privacy & Data Governance

Peter Borner
Executive Chairman and Chief Trust Officer

As Co-founder, Executive Chairman and Chief Trust Officer of The Data Privacy Group, Peter Borner leverages over 30 years of expertise to drive revenue for organisations by prioritising trust. Peter shapes tailored strategies to help businesses reap the rewards of increased customer loyalty, improved reputation, and, ultimately, higher revenue. His approach provides clients with ongoing peace of mind, solidifying their foundation in the realm of digital trust.

Specialises in: Privacy & Data Governance

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