Security News > 2022 > September > US seeks standards dominance, lets Huawei access previously forbidden crypto tech

The US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security has relaxed restrictions that barred export of some encryption technologies to Huawei, in the name of ensuring the United States is in a better position to negotiate global standards.

A Thursday announcement [PDF] explains the decision was taken because American businesses have told the Biden administration they're confused about whether they need to seek a license before bringing some tech to standards talks.

The Biden administration has a policy of ensuring US entities can achieve administrative and technical leadership of standards forums - a response to Huawei's many and substantial contributions to 5G standards.

The US also worries that China, through companies like Huawei, is trying to create standards that benefit authoritarian governments.

It's widely felt that China is therefore trying to shop for a friendly forum by working through the ITU. America wants to ensure it can exert dominance in all standards bodies, and justifies that stance as ensuring the values of liberal democracies and open markets are embedded in tech.

Which is why the BIS on Thursday issued guidance that allows the export of some encryption tech - provided it is only used for standards development activities.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2022/09/09/bis_eases_tech_export_restrictions/