Finally they have let the cat out of the bag. While updating to Tencent-owned messaging app WeChat's latest version users are greeted with a new privacy policy statement that confirms what has been suspected for sometime now: WeChat shares private user data with the Chinese government. This was first reported by The Epoch Times. Users who do not agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the privacy policy will not be able to access their WeChat accounts. As per the new policy, the Log Data that WeChat collects to power its in-app advertising and direct marketing activities and other Personal Information that it collects can be disclosed: To comply with applicable laws or regulations. To comply with a court order, subpoena or other legal process. In response to a request by a government authority, law enforcement agency or similar body (whether situated in your jurisdiction or elsewhere). Log Data is collected automatically by WeChat using cookies, web beacons, log files, scripts and etags. So, what kind of information is collected as part of the Log Data? Mobile carrier-related information, configuration information, IP address, and device version and identification number. Information on what the user has searched for and viewed using WeChat, including web search terms used, social media profiles visited, content accessed or requested through WeChat, etc. Information about people user has communicated with, including time, data and duration of communication. Metadata, which is information such as time, date or location shared when a photo or video is posted…
