What in the World
The secret life of Chinese social media apps
Nov 1, 2023
James Clayton, North America Tech Reporter, explains why WeChat is considered riskier than TikTok. Kerry Allen, China Media Analyst, discusses the tightly controlled nature of social media in China and the secret emoji code to avoid censorship. James Reynolds, a BBC correspondent, paints a picture of what Gaza was like before the recent escalation with Israel.
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Quick takeaways
- WeChat, a popular Chinese app, is facing growing concerns over security and spying, with Canada recently banning it from government devices.
- Social media platforms like WeChat in China are heavily regulated, strictly moderated, and employ creative tactics to express dissent, despite strict censorship.
Deep dives
Concerns about WeChat's Security and Spying
WeChat, a popular Chinese app, is facing growing concerns over security and spying. Canada has recently banned WeChat from government devices due to these concerns. Users of WeChat have limited access to content, with strict censorship and consequences for offensive or politically sensitive posts. While the app offers messaging and networking functions, it also serves as an all-in-one platform for services like mobile payments and QR code scanning. WeChat's widespread use in China, with around 70% of the adult population active on the app, makes it a dominant force in the country.
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