Can WeChat be tracked?

User activity on WeChat is analyzed, tracked and shared with Chinese authorities upon request as part of the mass surveillance network in China. WeChat censors politically sensitive topics in China.

Can China spy on you through WeChat?

So any information YOU put on WeChat is most definitely available for the Chinese government to review if they wanted to That’s in addition to other information you gave WeChat permission to access and monitor when you installed the app. So the Chinese government didn’t actually steal anything.

How accurate is WeChat location?

The highest geolocation accuracy is within 10 m and 56\% of geolocation results are within 60 m.

Are WeChat conversations private?

WeChat does not offer end-to-end encryption, a privacy feature that users expect from most messaging apps. The app has backdoors that allow third parties to read the messages you send and receive. This impacts data security.

How private is WeChat?

WeChat does not offer end-to-end encryption, a privacy feature that users expect from most messaging apps. The app has backdoors that allow third parties to read the messages you send and receive. This impacts data security. That means that if authorities request certain data, they will get it.

Can WeChat friends see your phone number?

The only time your phone number is used in WeChat is when you friend someone using it. Otherwise it is not advertised on the network. It may be discoverable through the app search function so a specific option within the privacy menu helps you keep your number to yourself.

Why is WeChat so popular in China?

With monthly active users of over 1.2 billion worldwide, WeChat is a super-app that combines the functions of social media, messaging, financial services, travel, food delivery, ride-hailing, and other apps. It is so convenient that for people in China it is as unimaginable not to have WeChat as not to have a smartphone.

Is WeChat a tool or trap?

WeChat isn’t just a tool for many users; it’s a trap. With monthly active users of over 1.2 billion worldwide, WeChat is a super-app that combines the functions of social media, messaging, financial services, travel, food delivery, ride-hailing, and other apps.

What should the US government do about WeChat?

The US government should address WeChat’s specific threats to the human rights of people on its soil in a proportionate, transparent, and lawful manner that respects the right to freedom of expression.

What is WeChat’s policy on data retention in China?

Chinese law requires internet companies to store internet logs and relevant data for at least six months to assist law enforcement. WeChat’s own privacy policy notes that it may need to “retain, disclose and use” user information in response to requests from the government.