Huawei security

[JerryBilt]

In response to the latest article about Huawei on most news websites, do I approach O2 and complain they sold me an insecure device (P10)?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-46453425

[Cleoriff]

Hi @JerryBilt

Personally I don't think it's O2 you need to complain to. These devices are available worldwide and other networks supplied them in good faith. They certainly wouldn't have been aware of BT's plans

If you are within the 14 day cooling off period then swap it out or return it if you wish

https://www.o2.co.uk/help/phones-sims-and-devices/our-change-of-mind-policy

@EmilieTcould you tag @Chris_K so he can comment on this?

[JerryBilt]

A couple of things:
1. Huawei have been suspected for a while now. But the information was not in the public domain. The industry (That's O2 and others) were all aware of the possibility that they were insecure. Yet, they still sold their products. Due diligence?
2. The BT story is simply the natural progression to the rumpours now that security of the network is a discussion topic and in the public domain because of 5G. So, my point about the industry always knowing about Huawei insecurity is now common knowledge.
3. Your "personally" comment is not what I want to hear. I want to hear an official statement from your employers.
4. I'm within 9 months of the end of a two year contract. I don't want to be penalised by paying the early settlement fee if the mobile I am purchasing is the slightest bit suspect and needs to be changed early.

[MI5]

@JerryBilt 

This isn't O2 and no one is employed on here. 

We are all customers like yourself.

I'd suggest you contact O2 directly http://www.o2.co.uk/contactus

[JerryBilt]

OK, thanks. I hadn't appreciated that, considering the very close links to the O2 domain and all your O2 awards.

[Cleoriff]

---

@JerryBilt wrote:

A couple of things:
1. Huawei have been suspected for a while now. But the information was not in the public domain. The industry (That's O2 and others) were all aware of the possibility that they were insecure. Yet, they still sold their products. Due diligence?
2. The BT story is simply the natural progression to the rumpours now that security of the network is a discussion topic and in the public domain because of 5G. So, my point about the industry always knowing about Huawei insecurity is now common knowledge.
3. Your "personally" comment is not what I want to hear. I want to hear an official statement from your employers.
4. I'm within 9 months of the end of a two year contract. I don't want to be penalised by paying the early settlement fee if the mobile I am purchasing is the slightest bit suspect and needs to be changed early.

---

With reference to the comment I've highlighted in red. that won't be possible on here or from me. This is a community forum made up of O2 members just like yourself. I'm not employed by O2 or anyone else for that matter

If you wish to make this official then google the name and address of the CEO for O2 and direct your comments to him..

This isn't the place if you want answers.

[viridis]

Isn't this whole Huawei thing like common knowledge?
They were banned by FCC for US sale for years, are still in investigation with MI6 (no, not MI5s brother, the real one) for security concerns, and is pretty much accepted that they have more backdoors than (insert innuendo here)
This isn't a new thing, this is just yet another step in a very long ongoing issue.

[gmarkj]

Confused.com
The article linked refers to commercial equipment (mast/antenna/etc).
The OP refers to a handset.
Aren't the two unrelated (apart from the mobile connection part)?
Also, unless the handset is actually faulty (or develops a fault) the only issue could be with data contained - most of which goes to/from google?

[JerryBilt]

Aren't you coming at it from the point of view of an interested party. In that you contribute to the forums regularly. Plus you have a very prestigious gold badge ;-).
For the rest of us who don't have such a deep understanding or feel the need to be on top of the tech news all the time, this IS news to us!

[JerryBilt]

Fair point. The commercial equipment is different.
But, can anyone say with absolute certainty today, that mobiles manufactured and sold by Huawei are not subject to the same suspicions?