Facebook Stops Huawei from Pre-Installing its Apps on Phones in Order to Comply with US Restrictions

Facebook has stopped letting its apps come pre-installed on smartphones sold by Huawei in order to comply with US restrictions, dealing a fresh blow to the Chinese tech giant.

The social network said Friday that it has suspended providing software for Huawei to put on its devices while it reviews recently introduced US sanctions. Owners of existing smartphones that already have Facebook apps can continue using them and downloading updates.

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It's not clear if buyers of new devices will be able to install Facebook's apps on their own. Facebook's move is the latest fallout in the escalating U.S.-China tech feud.

The Commerce Department last month effectively barred U.S. companies from selling their technology to Huawei and other Chinese firms without government approval. (VOA)