The ban was announced over security concerns that the Chinese equipment could use spyware to compromise communications of US military personnel.
Graham Cluley reports:
Smartphones made by ZTE and Huawei have been banned from sale at US military bases around the world, following concerns that they could pose a security threat.
As the Wall Street Journal reports, the Pentagon has imposed the ban after rising concerns that the Chinese manufacturers could be pressured by the authorities in Beijing to plant code that could spy on servicemen, or even remotely disable communications.
In a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Army Major Dave Eastburn made clear that the Pentagon views Huawei and ZTE devices with suspicion:
“Huawei and ZTE devices may pose an unacceptable risk to the department’s personnel, information and mission. In light of this information, it was not prudent for the department’s exchanges to continue selling them.”