Google has blocked Chinese communications company Huawei from using apps on its phones , it is reported.
Huawei is one of a number of phone manufacturers who use the Google-developed Android operating systems on its phones and tablets .
The Verge has reported that Google has cut off Huawei's licence - meaning it will no longer be able to use apps like Maps and Gmail and will not have access to security updates.
Existing customers will be able to update their phones and apps, but will not be able to update to a newer version of the Android operating system if one becomes available.
WhatsApp hack - here's what all users MUST do immediately amid spying fears
Android said it had taken steps to "comply with the recent US government actions".
This could be a reference to US president Donald Trump's executive order apparently aimed at banning Huawei's equipment from US networks and said it was subjecting the Chinese company to strict export controls.
The order - which empowers the US government to ban the technology and services of "foreign adversaries" deemed to pose "unacceptable risks" to national security - did not name specific countries or companies.
