Canada bans WeChat on government devices

Canada has banned the Chinese messaging app WeChat and the Russian antivirus programme Kaspersky on government-issued mobile devices.

The move is due to privacy and security concerns.

In an assessment by Canada's chief information officer found that the apps: "present an unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security".

In a statement, the Treasury Board of Canada said: "The decision to remove and block the WeChat and the Kaspersky applications was made to ensure that Government of Canada networks and data remain secure and protected and are in line with the approach of our international partners.

"While the risks of using these applications are clear, we have no evidence that government information has been compromised."

The Honourable Anita Anand, president of the Treasury Board said: “We are taking a risk-based approach to cyber security by removing access to these applications on government mobile devices. The Government of Canada continuously works to safeguard our information systems and networks to ensure the privacy and protection of government information. We will continue to regularly monitor potential cyber threats and take immediate action when needed.”