WeChat Risks
We assume you're familiar with what WeChat is and its primary uses. With that in mind, let's focus on the security concerns associated with WeChat.
Last updated
We assume you're familiar with what WeChat is and its primary uses. With that in mind, let's focus on the security concerns associated with WeChat.
Last updated
Here are some personal and data risks associated with using WeChat.
Concerns about the safety of video calling on social media apps are common. WeChat uses encryption, but it’s subject to Chinese cybersecurity laws, which may impact user privacy. If your privacy is a top concern, especially for sensitive conversations, you may want to consider alternatives such as Convene that provide stronger encryption and are less likely to be subject to government surveillance.
WeChat does use encryption to protect messages in transit. However, unlike apps with end-to-end encryption, WeChat’s messages may be accessible on its servers, raising questions about privacy.
Is WeChat Safe?
No, WeChat adheres to Chinese government surveillance policies, which could mean oversight on user data. This means that while the app is secure against external threats, user data might be subject to government scrutiny. The app heavily censors content and conversations, especially those involving politically sensitive topics.
What You’re Really Giving Away?
WeChat collects a wide range of user data, including contacts, messages, location, and device information as shown in the WeChat app data linked in figure below. This raises questions about the scope of data collection and the potential for government surveillance, especially if you're discussing sensitive topics.
Similar permissions are requested for Android devices. Note that in both cases, the end user can disable certain permissions but that could result in WeChat not allowing the user to access the app or certain key functions and features.
Why WeChat is Not a Safe App to Use: Key Concerns
Surveillance and Data Monitoring: WeChat is heavily monitored, with both international and China-registered accounts subject to content surveillance. Messages, images, and documents are scanned for sensitive political content, which can be flagged, censored, or result in penalties.
Real-Time Censorship: WeChat uses AI-driven tools to perform real-time censorship. Images and text that contain politically sensitive material are automatically removed or flagged without users' knowledge. This censorship occurs in both public posts and private one-on-one messages.
Data Collection for Censorship Algorithms: Even international users' data is collected and used to strengthen censorship in China. Content deemed politically sensitive in China can result in users outside China unknowingly contributing to the enhancement of domestic censorship.
WeChat and AI Integration: WeChat automatically summarizes all the media files (photos, videos, audio, PDFs etc.) the user has shared in a group along with all the website links as well.
Lack of Transparency: Tencent, WeChat's parent company, does not clearly disclose its data use policies, making it difficult for users to understand how their data is handled or surveilled.
Risk to Activists and Journalists: WeChat has been used to suppress dissent, especially during sensitive political periods. Journalists and activists using the app have been targeted, leading to arrests, detentions, and forced disappearances, as seen in the case of prominent critics.