WSJ "China Uses Messenger App 'WeChat' for Public Control"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] WeChat (Weixin), the Chinese version of KakaoTalk used by over 1.2 billion people, is being utilized by the Chinese government as a means to control its citizens.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 22nd (local time), the Chinese government is strengthening censorship and control activities using WeChat as a tool. WSJ introduced cases where accounts were blocked or users were investigated by the police for criticizing the government on WeChat, stating, "Authorities are increasing their control by also expanding the use of related apps released by Tencent, WeChat's parent company."

WeChat Application (App) Logo

Launched in 2011, WeChat is China's largest mobile messenger app. It provides a variety of services covering everyday life, not only simple messaging functions but also photo sharing, utility bill payments, taxi hailing, news consumption, and hospital reservations. WSJ explained, "WeChat is deeply ingrained in the daily lives of Chinese people," adding, "Not using the app is like giving up water or air."

The problem is that WeChat is being used as a control tool by Chinese public security. A Chinese student studying in Australia criticized, "My account was blocked after posting criticism of the government's COVID-19 response on WeChat," and added, "With an account created using a new phone number, I cannot access tens of thousands of messages exchanged with family, acquaintances, and experts." Another WeChat user revealed, "I was interrogated by the police and released just days after my account was blocked for criticizing government foreign policy."

The authorities' control through WeChat has further expanded in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies and schools have been conducting remote work and online learning via WeChat. Recently, as the Chinese government mandated the integration of a virus contact tracing system, the WeChat app has become an essential pass for entering homes, offices, and public transportation facilities. According to Tencent, the number of times the WeChat QR code function was used as a payment and authentication method by governments, companies, and individuals exceeded 140 billion in the first quarter of this year.

Currently, a Tencent spokesperson has declined to comment on the WSJ report. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration also did not respond to requests for comment.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.