What does this mean for people with a Huawei phone?

Q What has Google done?

A The tech giant has confirmed its compliance with an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump last week, which greatly restricted the ability of companies deemed “foreign adversaries” to access US technology without government approval.

As a result, Google has restricted Huaweis access to its Android operating system, the widely used mobile software that powers Huawei phones and tablets, as well those made by Samsung and a host of other firms.

Q How will it affect current Huawei phone users?

A Both Google and Huawei have said they will continue to support existing Huawei devices – as well as those of sub-brand Honor.

That means current Huawei smartphones should continue to function normally and users should be able to update their apps and other parts of Google’s Play Services.

Q What about Huawei’s future devices?

A When Google launches the next version of Android later this year, it is unlikely to be available on Huawei devices.

New phones from the Chinese manufacturer may also no longer include apps such as Youtube and Google Maps, and will not receive important security updates.

Instead, it could use the basic version of Android available through its open source licence – as in China, where Google is banned – or it could choose to build its own operating system and run its devices on that.

Q Why is Huawei so controversial?

A The Chinese company has been accused of having close ties to the Chinese state, with some critics arguing its telecoms equipment could be used to spy on people in the West. Huawei has always strongly denied the claims.

The UK government is still debating whether or not to allow Huawei telecoms equipment to be used in parts of the UK’S new 5G networks.