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WeChat and Kaspersky Applications Banned on Canadian Government-Issued Mobile Devices

In a move to protect privacy and security, Canada has officially banned the use of the Chinese messaging application WeChat and the Russian antivirus program Kaspersky on government-issued mobile devices. The ban comes after an assessment by Canada’s chief information officer, who deemed these applications as posing an “unacceptable level of risk” to privacy and security.

The Treasury Board of Canada, which oversees public administration, stated that government information has not been compromised. However, it recognizes the substantial access to device contents and clear risks associated with using these applications’ collection methods.

Kaspersky expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision, noting that it was made without warning or the opportunity to address the government’s concerns. The company emphasized that there is no evidence or due process justifying the ban and that it appears to be a result of the current geopolitical climate rather than a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of Kaspersky’s products and services.

WeChat has yet to respond to the ban.

The applications will be removed from government-issued mobile devices on Monday, and users will be blocked from downloading them in the future. Canada had previously banned TikTok, the popular short-video app owned by the Chinese company Bytedance, for similar privacy and security reasons.

Canada’s decision aligns with the approach of international partners to ensure the security and protection of government networks and data.

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