Canada has declared a ban on WeChat for government devices, expressing concerns about the Chinese-owned app’s potential security risks, including the possibility of user surveillance.
WeChat, often described as the “everything app,” combining features from WhatsApp, Facebook, Amazon, and Tinder, is widely popular in China, Southeast Asia, and among Chinese diaspora communities.
The ban in Canada is immediate. However, it’s important to note that there is currently no evidence of government information being compromised through WeChat, as stated by Anita Anand, the president of Canada’s Treasury Board.
The move is part of a risk-based approach to cybersecurity by restricting access to these apps on government mobile devices.
Additionally, Canada is taking action against the Russia-based cybersecurity company Kaspersky, removing its apps from government devices and blocking future downloads.
While TikTok has received significant attention for potential security concerns, many cybersecurity experts consider WeChat to pose a more substantial threat, although it garners less attention in North America because it is not as commonly used by government employees.
Former US President Donald Trump attempted to ban TikTok in 2020 through an executive order, but this effort was halted by an injunction.
Source-BBC
