Microsoft scores license to export software to Huawei

It'll be able to export software to the Chinese tech giant.

Corinne Reichert Senior Editor

Corinne Reichert (she/her) grew up in Sydney, Australia and moved to California in 2019. She holds degrees in law and communications, and currently writes news, analysis and features for CNET across the topics of electric vehicles, broadband networks, mobile devices, big tech, artificial intelligence, home technology and entertainment. In her spare time, she watches soccer games and F1 races, and goes to Disneyland as often as possible.

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I've been covering technology and mobile for 12 years, first as a telecommunications reporter and assistant editor at ZDNet in Australia, then as CNET's West Coast head of breaking news, and now in the Thought Leadership team.

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Corinne Reichert

Nov. 21, 2019 3:05 p.m. PT

2 min read

Microsoft will reportedly be allowed to export software to Huawei.

Corinne Reichert/CNET

Microsoft has been granted a license to export software to Chinese tech giant Huawei, as reported earlier Thursday by Reuters. It follows the US Commerce Department extending a temporary license to allow American companies to do business with Huawei earlier this week for another 90 days.

"On November 20, the US Department of Commerce granted Microsoft's request for a license to export mass-market software to Huawei," a Microsoft spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "We appreciate the department's action in response to our request."

Huawei was blacklisted in May when it was added to the United States' "entity list" (PDF). In addition to adding Huawei to the list, US President Donald Trump at the same time signed an executive order essentially banning the company in light of national security concerns that Huawei had close ties with the Chinese government. Huawei has repeatedly denied that charge.

More on the Huawei ban

Two other reprieves were granted by the department to Huawei in May and August.

"The temporary general license extension will allow carriers to continue to service customers in some of the most remote areas of the United States who would otherwise be left in the dark," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday. "The department will continue to rigorously monitor sensitive technology exports to ensure that our innovations are not harnessed by those who would threaten our national security."

Huawei said the extension doesn't change the fact that it's being "treated unfairly" by the US.

"We have long held that the decision by the US Department of Commerce to add Huawei to the Entity List has caused more harm to the US than to Huawei," the Chinese company said in a press release.

Huawei didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Originally published Nov. 21, 2:44 p.m. PT.
Update, 3:05 p.m.: Adds confirmation from Microsoft.