October 30, 2023 at 02:50PM
Canada has banned the use of the popular messaging app WeChat and Russian platform Kaspersky on government smartphones due to privacy and security risks. The decision was made to protect government networks and data, and aligns with the actions of international partners. This move follows the banning of TikTok on government devices earlier this year. Relations between Canada and China have been strained, with accusations of meddling and disinformation campaigns. A public inquiry into foreign interference is currently underway.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes include:
1. Canada has banned the popular Chinese messaging app WeChat and the Russian platform Kaspersky from government smartphones and mobile devices due to privacy and security risks.
2. The apps will be immediately removed from government-issued devices, and users will be blocked from downloading them in the future.
3. The decision was made to ensure the security and protection of government networks and data, and to align with the approach of international partners.
4. No breaches have been detected, but the data collection methods of the banned platforms provide significant access to device contents.
5. This ban follows the previous ban on TikTok, another Chinese-owned platform, on government devices.
6. Relations between Canada and China have been strained over various issues, including detentions and allegations of meddling and disinformation campaigns.
7. A public inquiry into foreign interference accusations, which China has rejected, began in September.