Google's dealings with Huawei, Xiaomi come under scanner in US
In an open letter addressed to Alphabet CEO Larry Page, Senator Mark Warner talked about indications of the practice of embedding social media sharing functions with Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) "may have been more widespread, potentially through agreements between Alphabet`s subsidiaries and these Chinese companies".
After reports of Facebook`s data-sharing partnerships with 60 device makers including some Chinese players raised eyebrows, members of the US Congress have now reportedly expressed concern about Google`s parent company Alphabet`s dealings with Huawei and Xiaomi.
In an open letter addressed to Alphabet CEO Larry Page, Senator Mark Warner talked about indications of the practice of embedding social media sharing functions with Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) "may have been more widespread, potentially through agreements between Alphabet`s subsidiaries and these Chinese companies".
The Virginia Democrat pointed out that Google pursued various strategic partnerships with Chinese mobile device manufacturers, including Huawei and Xiaomi, as well as Tencent, a Chinese technology platform.
Warner said that the possibility of Tencent having access to data from Google "raises national security concerns," CNET reported on Thursday.
The Alphabet CEO should disclose more information about Google`s deals with those companies, Warner said.
Google is likely to address the concerns raised by Warner.
"Like many US companies, we have agreements with dozens of OEMs around the world, including Huawei," a Google spokeswoman was quoted as saying by CNET.
"We do not provide special access to Google user data as part of these agreements, and our agreements include privacy and security protections for user data," the spokeswoman added.
Republicans also appear to be concerned by Google`s relationship with Huawei, the report said.
Watch this Zee Business video
The alarm from Congress speaks volumes about the tensions between the US and China over concerns that Beijing could digitally spy on Americans.
Facebook earlier admitted sharing users` data with Huawei along with three other China-based smartphone makers Lenovo, OPPO and TCL.
The Facebook confirmation came a day after The New York Times reported that the social media giant provided access to users` data to at least 60 different device makers -- including Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Samsung and BlackBerry.
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Retirement Planning: SIP+SWP combination; Rs 15,000 monthly SIP for 25 years and then Rs 1,52,000 monthly income for 30 years
Top Gold ETF vs Top Large Cap Mutual Fund 10-year Return Calculator: Which has given higher return on Rs 11 lakh investment; see calculations
Retirement Calculator: 40 years of age, Rs 50,000 monthly expenses; what should be retirement corpus and monthly investment
SBI 444-day FD vs Union Bank of India 333-day FD: Know maturity amount on Rs 4 lakh and Rs 8 lakh investments for general and senior citizens
EPF vs SIP vs PPF Calculator: Rs 12,000 monthly investment for 30 years; which can create highest retirement corpus
Home loan EMI vs Mutual Fund SIP Calculator: Rs 70 lakh home loan EMI for 20 years or SIP equal to EMI for 10 years; which can be easier route to buy home; know maths
04:33 PM IST