US lawmakers are now calling for a global block on Huawei’s HarmonyOS. They believe China could use the operating system for spying instead of relying on chips.
According to Nikkei Asia, two lawmakers—Republican John Moolenaar and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi—have raised this concern. Both are key members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
Lawmakers Send Urgent Letter
The lawmakers wrote a letter asking senior officials to work with allies to stop Huawei from spreading HarmonyOS worldwide.
The letter was reportedly sent on Friday to:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr
They say HarmonyOS should be checked carefully because it may pose a serious security risk. The lawmakers believe the Chinese government could use it to spy on users around the world.
Here’s what the letter says:
“Given the serious national security and geopolitical implications… we must make sure HarmonyOS doesn’t become widespread.”
HarmonyOS Used Beyond Phones
Huawei uses HarmonyOS in more than just phones. It’s also found in:
- Tablets
- PCs
- Smart home gadgets
- Cars
Lawmakers fear that Huawei could update the OS with hidden tools to collect user data. They also say Huawei follows Chinese laws that may require it to work with Chinese intelligence services. The letter warns that this could lead to cyber spying and help China build what they call “digital authoritarianism.”
US Urges Allies to Choose Trusted OS
The US lawmakers are urging their government to fully study Huawei’s HarmonyOS – How it works, design and the whole code. They are also pushing for their allies to understand the risk in using HarmonyOS and try to avoid it.
Recently, the U.S government tightened rules on Huawei’s AI chips, and the government is targeting operating systems from China now.
Huawei Keeps Expanding
Despite the concerns, Huawei is moving forward. It plans to launch its first HarmonyOS-powered PC next week. It’s also working with carmakers like Toyota and BMW to bring HarmonyOS to smart vehicles. How all this will affect Huawei and the US remains to be seen.
