The Security Assessment Committee’s conclusions on 5G equipment risks could be excluded or restricted, but this is up to telecoms regulator Anacom, the government told EURACTIV’s partner Lusa on Monday.
Last week, the committee, in the scope of the Supreme Council for Cyberspace Security, released a deliberation on the “high risk” to the security of 5G networks and services of using equipment from suppliers that, among other criteria, are from outside the EU, NATO or OECD. These systems cause problems as “the legal system of the country in which it is domiciled” or connected “allows that government to exercise control, interference or pressure on its activities operating in third countries”.
While no countries or companies are named, it is likely referring to Huawei, that was subject to 5g bans in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Sweden.
The office of the Secretary of State for Digitalisation and Administrative Modernisation, Mario Campolargo, said that taking into account the conclusions, these may result in the exclusion, application of restrictions or termination of use of equipment or services.
It also added that “the Security Assessment Committee’s deliberation taken based on the risk assessment carried out must be complied with and enforced by Anacom [the national communications regulator] within the period granted for this purpose”, according to article 62 of Law 16/2022, of 16 August, which approves the Electronic Communications Law (LCE).
“The content of the resolution taken following the risk assessment was classified at the grade Reserved of the national label because its content contemplates information whose knowledge or disclosure by unauthorised persons may contend with the high interests of the country and economic agents,” the office mentioned.
The classification “was made under the terms of the instructions for national security, safeguarding and defence of classified material, abbreviated as SEGNAC 1, approved by Cabinet Resolution No. 50/88 of 3 December, amended by Cabinet Resolutions No. 13/93 of 6 March and 70/2019 of 17 April,” the government recalls.
Also contacted by Lusa, Huawei says it knows that “the Portuguese government has published information regarding the risk assessment of telecommunications networks” but that the company “had no prior knowledge of the publication and is seeking to gather more information from the relevant authorities regarding the nature of this assessment.”
It recalls that “over two decades, Huawei has worked with Portuguese operators to develop communications networks and provide high-quality services that serve millions of people” and that “Huawei has been several times recognised by the Portuguese government, as well as by public and private entities, for its role in the creation of qualified employment, innovation capacity and contribution to innovation and digital transition, having invested more than one million euros in training digital talent.”
In this sense, “we will continue to comply with the Law and regulations in force, to serve consumers and Portuguese companies that rely on our products and services,” added the company.
(Alexandra Luís | ed. By Nuno Simas | Lusa.pt)
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