Canada Blocks WeChat and Kaspersky Tech – 16 hours ago

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Canada is following the Joe Biden administration’s policy, by blocking the WeChat short messaging application originating from China.

Not only applications from China, Canada also blocked antivirus services from Russia, Kaspersky.

This blocking does not apply nationally, but only on devices used by government employees.

Blocking services from China and Russia is carried out to maintain security and privacy in Canada.

“WeChat and the apps created by Kaspersky represent intolerable privacy and security risks,” the Treasury Board of Canada, which oversees public administration, said in a statement. ReutersThursday (2/11/2023).

The Treasury Board of Canada said it had not found any evidence that government data had been misused. However, WeChat and Kaspersky’s data collection practices have been accused of having dangerous risks.

“The decision to remove and block the WeChat and Kaspersky apps was made to ensure the Canadian government’s network and data remain safe and secure, and is in line with the approach of our international partners,” said a Treasury Board of Canada representative.

Responding to this incident, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the Canadian government of implementing the blockade without providing concrete evidence regarding security and privacy issues.

The Chinese government says the ban on the WeChat application is a form of unwarranted abuse of national power just to pressure China.

“We hope Canada will throw away ideological prejudices, adhere to the principles of market economy and provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies,” spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press conference.

Meanwhile, Kapersky admitted he was disappointed with the Canadian government’s decision. According to the service, the blocking was carried out suddenly without any prior warning.

There is no evidence or process to justify this action. “We assess that this action is a response to the geopolitical climate, not stemming from a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of Kaspersky products and services,” wrote Kaspersky’s official statement.

WeChat did not immediately open the sound when asked for confirmation.

[Gambas:Video CNBC]

(dem)