Here's The Chinese Phone The FBI, CIA, and NSA Don't Want You to Use

The heads of six major US intelligence agencies are warning against using Huawei and ZTE tech and services.

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The tumultuous times we live in currently aren't without consequence when it comes to the tech industry. Huawei, a Chinese tech giant, already suffered a major setback in its goal to gain footing in US markets when a deal with AT&T fell through.  This next one is possibly more significant, as the directors of the CIA, FBI, NSA, and the director of national intelligence have all recommended that private citizens not use the products from the Chinese company.

During a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, CNBC reported that six major US intelligence chiefs express concerns with using the products and services of Huawei and telecom company ZTE.

"We're deeply concerned about the risks of allowing any company or entity that is beholden to foreign governments that don't share our values to gain positions of power inside our telecommunications networks," FBI Director Chris Wray testified.

"That provides the capacity to exert pressure or control over our telecommunications infrastructure," Wray added. "It provides the capacity to maliciously modify or steal information. And it provides the capacity to conduct undetected espionage."

Huawei representatives responded, stating that the tech company "poses no greater cybersecurity risk than any ICT vendor." The full statement from the spokesman is below:

"Huawei is aware of a range of U.S. government activities seemingly aimed at inhibiting Huawei's business in the U.S. market. Huawei is trusted by governments and customers in 170 countries worldwide and poses no greater cybersecurity risk than any ICT vendor, sharing as we do common global supply chains and production capabilities."

ZTE added in a statement that the company takes cybersecurity and privacy seriously and that it remains a trusted partner to US suppliers and customers.

Charles Singletary Jr keeps the updates flowing as the News Editor, breaking stories while investigating the biggest topics in gaming and technology. He's pretty active on Twitter, so feel free to reach out to him @The_CSJR. Got a hot tip? Email him at Charles.Singletary@Shacknews.com.

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