The purpose of the order is to help protect the United States from foreign adversaries who are allegedly taking advantage of the technological vulnerabilities which threaten communication systems within the US.
United States President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency to secure America’s computer networks from IT threats. Specifics about the source of threat has not been mentioned in his executive order.The move by Trump has given rise to several speculations which claim that this move is a part of the ongoing trade war between the USA and China.
According to a statement issued by the White House, “Mr Trump's order aims to protect America from foreign adversaries who are actively and increasingly creating and exploiting vulnerabilities in information and communications technology infrastructure and services".
It gives the secretary of commerce the power to "prohibit transactions posing an unacceptable risk to the national security", the statement adds.
The purpose of the order is to help protect the United States from foreign adversaries who are allegedly taking advantage of the technological vulnerabilities which threaten communication systems within the US.
Although unnamed, the biggest threat seems to be Chinese tech giant Huwaei, who is the biggest supplier of network hardware used by mobile and internet companies across the country. Huawei has reacted to the move and has said that such restrictions would harm the US, its consumers and its companies. This order was passed after many countries across the world suspected China of using the tech giant’s products as tools of surveillance
In a separate move, America has put Huawei in the “entry list “. This means the company has to take government approval in the future for acquiring technology from any US firm. Correspondents say the moves are likely to worsen tensions between the US and China, which has already escalated this week following tariff hikes from both the sides.
The United States had already put a restriction on federal agencies against the use of Huawei products. Countries like Australia and New Zealand have also blocked the use of Huawei components and products for the 5G network.
Last Updated May 16, 2019, 11:25 AM IST