Even as some raise health concerns about radio-frequency radiation from current wireless devices, and moreso with 5G, countries are proceeding with its development.One of the main issues is whether Chinese telecom giant Huawei will be involved.
A slim majority (56%) said Huawei should not be involved while a lesser number (34%) would agree to limited participation similar to Britain, while a small number (10%) say Huawei should have full participation in development of the 5G network
British Columbia has the highest rate of opposition at 63%, while Quebec has the lowest opposition at 47%
Angus Reid Inst.
The United States, Australian and New Zealand have banned Huawei and their equipment from inclusion and development of a 5G network. This is over fears that Huawei, or the Chinese government through Huawei equipment, would be involved in spying. The three nations are part of the so-called 5-Eyes security group which includes Canada and Britain.
Britain has recently decided it will allow Huawei, partial inclusion in development of their 5G network. Canada is the only member of the group to remain undecided on Huawei’s role in development of 5G in Canada.
Perhaps reinforcing concern spying concerns are charges announced this week by the U.S which claimed that five members of the Chinese military hacked into Equifax, one of the largest of credit reporting agencies. The charge is that it was an effort to steal trade secrets and the personal data of about 145 million Americans in 2017. This would include information on U.S intelligence personnel and other officials.
Germany, not a 5-Eyes member, but an important NATO ally, seems poised to adopt a position similar to Britain.
How do Canadians feel? A new national poll by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute found Canadians were rather divided on the Huawei involvement.
Additional information-sources
- Angus Reid Inst. Poll
- Reuters: A. Rinke: Feb 11/20: Merkel’s conservatives stop short of Huawei 5G ban in Germany
- NY Times: K. Benner: Feb 10/20: U.S. Charges Chinese Military Officers in 2017 Equifax Hacking
- Chatham House: E. Taylor: Sep 9/19: Who’s Afraid of Huawei? Understanding the 5G Security Concerns
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