Google officially warns Huawei device owners not to sideload its apps

As the global fallout surrounding the US government’s Huawei ban continues, Google has published an article warning users of the inherent dangers of sideloading its apps and services on the Chinese manufacturer’s devices.

According to the sources of BBC, Recent Huawei devices cannot download the Google Play app store or hugely popular apps such as Gmail, YouTube, or Google Maps.

Android phones allow users to install apps from unverified sources, however.

But now, Google has warned this “sideloading” – manually installing app files found online – is “high risk”, as the files may have been tampered with.

CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood said Google was right to warn people the practice was “risky”.

“Unless you are 100% certain about the integrity of the app, it is not a risk worth taking,” he said.

Ostrowski further clarified that Google only makes its core apps and services available for use on Play Protect certified devices. Since Google is no longer allowed to collaborate with Huawei, the Chinese company’s phones are no longer certified and, therefore, ineligible for using GMS.

He also cautioned users that sideloading apps is a risky proposition as the apk containing the app may have been tampered with. “In addition sideloaded Google apps will not work reliably because we do not allow these services to run on uncertified devices where security may be compromised,” he said.

Ostrowski noted, however, that Huawei phones sold before May 16, 2019 — the day Huawei was added to the Entity List — will continue to be supported by Google and have access to its suite of apps, as well as security updates.

However,  The Tech Giant Huawei Technologies has rejected all the claims and clarified about its policy of protecting its users’ privacy.

In a statement by the company, it said “Protecting the privacy and security of our users is Huawei’s top priority.”

“AppGallery is a top platform for Huawei users to access secure and high-quality apps. ”

“We encourage our users to explore apps through AppGallery or other secure channels.”

The statement further elaborated that, “Huawei is working with global app developers, through different initiatives, to continuously improve user experience.”

European Union to not ban Huawei but impose solid 5G rules

Earlier, Chinese multinational technology company Huawei accused of stealing trade secrets and helping Iran track protesters.

Reuters reported that  US prosecutors accused Huawei of stealing trade secrets and helping Iran track protesters in its latest indictment against the Chinese company.

In the indictment, which supersedes one unsealed last year in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, Huawei Technologies charged with conspiring to steal trade secrets from six US technology companies and to violate a racketeering law typically used to combat organised crime.

It also contains new allegations about the company’s involvement in countries subject to sanctions. Among other accusations, it says Huawei installed surveillance equipment in Iran that was used to monitor, identify, and detain protesters during the 2009 anti-government demonstrations in Tehran.