US allegations of Huawei using lawful interception are nothing but a smokescreen – they don’t adhere to any form of accepted logic in the cybersecurity domain, the Chinese telco giant hit back in a statement.
The company said it has never and will never covertly access telecom networks, nor do “we have the capability to do so”.
U.S. officials say Huawei can covertly access mobile-phone networks around the world through “back doors” designed for use by law enforcement, as Washington tries to persuade allies to exclude the Chinese company from their networks, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Intelligence shows Huawei has had this secret capability for more than a decade, U.S.officials said.
Huawei said The Wall Street Journal is clearly aware that the US government can’t provide any evidence to support their allegations, and yet it still chose to repeat the lies being spread by these US officials.
“This reflects The Wall Street Journal‘s bias against Huawei and undermines its credibility,” Huawei explains.
US officials allege that the Chinese company has the ability to access private information on mobile networks that use its equipment.
Huawei’s role as a telecoms vendor is to provide equipment that follows 3GPP/ETSI standards, just like every other vendor.
“We are obligated to follow industry-wide lawful interception standards like 3GPP’s TS 33.107 standard for 3G networks, and TS 33.128 for 5G,” the company said. “This is where Huawei’s obligations with regards to lawful interception end.”
Huawei explains that cybersecurity and user privacy protection are it’s top priorities.
“The remarks made by US officials completely ignore the huge investment and best practices of Huawei and carriers in cybersecurity risk management,” the Chine company said.
“We are very indignant that the US government has spared no efforts to stigmatize Huawei by using cybersecurity issues. If the US does discover Huawei’s violations, we again solemnly request the US to disclose specific evidence instead of using the media to spread rumours.”
The telco said the actual administration and use of lawful interception interfaces is conducted solely by carriers and regulators.
“Interception interfaces are always located in protected premises on the operator’s side, and they are operated by employees who are vetted by the government in the countries where they operate. Operators have very strict rules to operate and maintain these interfaces,” it said.
Huawei added that it doesn’t develop or produce any interception equipment beyond this.
In fact, Huawei said even The Wall Street Journal admits that US officials are unable to provide any concrete details concerning these so-called “backdoors.”
