DIGITAL LIFE

European Parliament finally worries about China's 5G network equipment

This is an approved resolution (by air vote) at the EP plenary sitting in Strasbourg, France, in which MEPs express "their deep concern at the recent allegations that 5G equipment developed by Chinese companies may have integrated 'backdoors' which would allow manufacturers and authorities to have unauthorized access to private and personal data and EU telecommunications. "
Showing "concern about the possible existence of major vulnerabilities in the 5G equipment of these manufacturers, if it were to be installed when 5G networks become available in the coming years", MEPs want to "ensure the highest standards of cybersecurity", the document states, which Lusa had access to.
They therefore call for the European Commission to develop "a strategy to put Europe in a leading position in the field of cybersecurity technology and to reduce Europe's dependence on foreign technology in this area."
At the same time, the EP calls for "the creation of a secure, default and on-the-ground network" and calls on the Member States, together with the Commission, "to exploit all available means to ensure a high level of security."
In the resolution, MEPs also asked that Brussels create a certification system for 5G equipment and provide guidance to EU countries on how to deal with the vulnerabilities associated with this technology in conjunction with the EU Agency for Cybersecurity.
At the meeting today, the European Parliament also endorsed the new law on cybersecurity, with 586 votes in favor, 44 against and 36 abstentions.
This new legislation establishes an EU-wide certification framework for products, services and technological processes.
The aim is "to enhance the security of consumer devices, connected products, online services, devices ... and critical infrastructures through the creation of European cybersecurity certificates, which will be valid throughout the EU", stresses the EP in a statement.
Initially, this certification will be voluntary, but it is expected that, by 2023, the European Commission will assess whether any specific European cybersecurity certification system should become mandatory. Lusa Agency