Canada spy agencies split over proposed Huawei 5G ban, report says
- Spy agency CSIS believes security risks can be mitigated, while electronic eavesdropping agency CSE said to support outright ban
- Two of Canada’s largest carriers would have to replace Chinese telecoms giant’s gear in their networks, costing them millions of dollars
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Canada’s spy agencies are divided over whether to ban Chinese technology giant Huawei from fifth generation (5G) networks over security concerns, The Globe and Mail reported on Wednesday.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) were tasked with conducting a cybersecurity review to evaluate the risks as well as the economic costs to Canadian telecoms and consumers of blacklisting the equipment supplier.
The Americans and Australians – who are partners with Canada, Britain and New Zealand in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network – have warned that Huawei may be compelled under Chinese law to help Beijing spy or sabotage Western networks.
The Globe and Mail, citing an unnamed source, said the spy agency CSIS and the electronic eavesdropping agency CSE disagree on how to proceed.
The CSE reportedly supports an outright ban while the CSIS believes the risks can be mitigated with robust testing and monitoring of equipment.
Government officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Huawei is already prohibited from bidding on government contracts and core network equipment such as routers and switches.
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An outright ban could cost Canadian telecoms firms millions of dollars in extra costs, they have said.
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