Security concerns over Greenlandic internet speed upgrade

Chinese involvement in an internet upgrade in Greenland raises concern in intelligence circles.

According to the Arctic Journal, the selection of Huawei to provide equipment for land devices to connect to an extension of the subsea network cable providing Greenland with internet raises concern in intelligence circles.

The plans for adding an extension to the Canada – Greenland – Iceland subsea internet cable is meant to provide Greenlandic areas north of Nuuk with high-speed internet that will significantly improve inhabitants’ ability to make full use of the internet and the opportunities it offers. However, awarding some of the land-based infrastructure contract to Huawei has caused some concern.

According to the Arctic Journal, many Western intelligence agencies fear that the privately owned company is a front for Chinese snooping. Some countries have limited Huawei from being involved in similar internet infrastructure projects, among them the USA, Canada, Australia and Britain. Denmark has, on the other hand, allowed Huawei to carry out such contracts, following careful consideration.

Safeguards have, however, been set up prior to the FE’s approving of the contract.