WeChat is a WhatsApp alternative that originated in China and is making its presence felt worldwide. However, since it comes from China there’s a stigma attached to it for being spyware. Similar to how TikTok is considered a spy app by many since it comes from China as well.
But is WeChat spying on you or it’s just a rumor? Keep reading the article to find out whether WeChat spies on you or your phone or not.
Quick Summary
Every data that goes through WeChat is under Chinese government surveillance. This means the chats, photos, or videos you share with someone on WeChat can be seen by the government of China. Besides that, WeChat is not end-to-end encrypted hence other third-party organizations can also access your data. However, by taking some precautions such as being cautious about sharing personal information or by using the apps’ built-in privacy and security settings you can make WeChat safe to use.
Can WeChat Access Your Phone?
All the Chinese apps are under the surveillance of the Chinese government. This means just like every other Chinese app, all the data that goes through WeChat can be seen by the Chinese government. And it is not only true for people living in China but everyone using the WeChat app living outside of the Chinese mainland.
The data you share on WeChat including photos, videos, audio, and chats are stored on the WeChat servers which are situated in China. Hence they are under the Chinese government’s jurisdiction and they can do anything with your data.
According to a study done by Citizenlab, the Chinese government tracks all chats, photos, or videos for censoring purposes. So that they can censor any type of content that is against their political values.
So does WeChat spy on you? Well, I am not sure about WeChat but through it, the Chinese government may see your private data which is similar to spying.
There are other WeChat privacy concerns that people don’t consider safe, such as the fact that WeChat isn’t end-to-end encrypted. Hence I cannot say that WeChat is totally safe to use. Also, the Chinese government has a keen eye on all the chats, photos, or videos sent through WeChat. Moreover, it is not only for people living in China but also for people living outside as well.
Also, WeChat may allow some third-party services or organizations to read your chats made on their platform. Overall, looking at these WeChat privacy concerns, it is hard to say that WeChat is a safe app to use.
Yes, WeChat can access your phone, including your contacts list, phone storage, and camera. However, it can only access your phone if you grant permission to do so. When you install the WeChat app on your phone, you will be prompted to give the app permission to access certain features of your device. However, you can choose to deny these permissions if you want.
It’s important to carefully consider which permissions you grant to apps, as they can access and potentially misuse your personal information. It’s always a good idea to read the app’s privacy policy and understand what data it is collecting and how it is being used before granting any permissions.
Looking at the WeChat privacy concerns you may feel like not using it. However, if you take the precautions you may be able to use it safely. You can take the following steps to use WeChat safely.
Do not share personal information: Think carefully about the information you share on WeChat. Also, consider whether it is necessary or appropriate to share it. Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as your full name, home address, or financial information with someone, especially strangers.
Use privacy and security settings: The WeChat app offers several privacy and security settings that you can use to control who can see your profile, who can contact you, and who can see your messages. Make use of these settings to personalize your experience and protect your privacy on WeChat.
Enable two-factor authentication: Always try to use strong and unique passwords for your WeChat account. Also, don’t forget to enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your WeChat account.
Do not click on unknown links: Be careful when clicking on links that you receive through unknown WeChat contacts. These links may lead to phishing sites or other malicious content which may allow the hackers to access your phone remotely without your permission.
Final Verdict
WeChat is a popular instant messaging app that is used worldwide, but it has faced criticism due to its Chinese origin. This is because the Chinese government can access and censor the data that is being transmitted through the WeChat app. Moreover, the app itself is not end-to-end encrypted which makes it even more dangerous.
Moreover, WeChat may allow third-party organizations to access users’ data on their platform. Also, the app can access your phone if you have granted it permission to do so. While there are some concerns about the safety and privacy of using WeChat, there are steps you can take to protect your personal information.
Such as being cautious about sharing personal information, using the app’s privacy and security settings, and enabling two-factor authentication.
