Canada bans messaging app WeChat

The ban on the Chinese app will take effect immediately, officials said

WeChat

Canada has announced a ban on the use of the Chinese messaging application "WeChat" on government devices.


Western governments have concerns about the Chinese application WeChat, particularly that the app could be used to spy on users.


WeChat is one of the most used apps in the world, it is used everywhere in China and is also popular in Southeast Asia and Chinese communities.


According to Canadian authorities, the ban on the Chinese app will take effect immediately.


Treasury Board of Canada President Anita Anand said in a statement that there is currently no evidence that government information has been compromised through the app, however, we are taking a risk-based approach to cybersecurity. .


Canada is also cracking down on Russia-based cyber security company Kaspersky.


According to reports, many security experts believe that WeChat is as big a threat as TikTok, but it receives less attention because government employees in North America do not use it as much as TikTok.


Former US President Donald Trump tried to ban the app through an executive order in 2020 but was blocked by an injunction.