Skip to Main content

29.68°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Oct 30, 2023 6:35 PM - The Canadian Press

Feds ban WeChat, Kaspesky apps from government-issued devices over security concerns

Share On

feds-ban-wechat-kaspesky-apps-from-government-issued-devices-over-security-concerns

The government says both apps will be removed from its devices today and users will be blocked from downloading WeChat or Kaspersky products in the future. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

The federal government is banning WeChat and Kaspersky applications from its phones over security concerns.

WeChat is a social network, messaging and payments app from Chinese company Tencent, while Kaspersky was founded by Russian entrepreneur Eugene Kaspersky and offers cybersecurity and antivirus software.

The government says both apps will be removed from its devices today and users will be blocked from downloading WeChat or Kaspersky products in the future.

It says it made the move because the chief information officer of Canada determined that the WeChat and Kaspersky apps present "an unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security."

The officer says the apps' data collection methods provide considerable access to the contents of any mobile device they're on and the government wanted to ensure their networks and data remain secure.

The government says it has no evidence that information has been compromised as a result of employees using the apps.

Latest news

IndiaJul 21, 2026

P.M. Modi Assures Farmers Their Interests Will Be Protected in Trade Deals

Amid a march by farmers from Punjab and Haryana toward Delhi to protest the proposed India–U.S. trade agreement and heightened tensions at the Shambhu border, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the central government remains fully committed to the welfare of farmers. The Prime Minister said farmers' interests would be given top priority in any trade agreement. He added that the government would take decisions after considering the concerns of the agricultural community. Modi also addressed students protesting over the NEET-UG paper leak case. He said the government is treating the

trump-says-canada-depends-on-u-s-poilievre-calls-proposed-50-tariff-unjustified

CanadaJul 21, 2026

Trump says Canada depends on U.S.; Poilievre calls proposed 50% tariff 'unjustified'

U.S. President Donald Trump and Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre have exchanged sharply contrasting messages as trade tensions between Canada and the United States continue to escalate. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he "loves the people of Canada" but claimed the country "would not exist without the United States" and needs the U.S. to survive. The remarks come amid an ongoing trade dispute between the two countries. Poilievre, meanwhile, criticized Trump's proposed 50 per cent tariff, calling it "unjustified" and harmful to both Canadian workers and American consumers. According

b-c-wildfire-crews-use-drone-for-canadas-first-controlled-burn-operation

B.C. wildfire crews use drone for Canada's first controlled burn operation

Firefighters battling an active wildfire in British Columbia have successfully used a drone to carry out a controlled burn for the first time in Canada, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The agency said crews working near Boston Bar used the drone to ignite a planned section of dry forest that was in the path of the advancing wildfire. The controlled burn was intended to remove available fuel and help slow the fire's spread. According to the BC Wildfire Service, controlled burns are typically conducted using helicopters or ground crews, both of which can expose firefighters to greater risk

heat-warnings-issued-across-southern-b-c-after-multiple-temperature-records-fall

Heat warnings issued across southern B.C. after multiple temperature records fall

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued heat warnings for much of southern British Columbia after several communities recorded new daily temperature highs. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the warnings cover the east coast of Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Fraser Valley, and are expected to remain in effect until Wednesday. Heat warnings for parts of the Southern Interior could continue through Thursday. Forecasters say daytime temperatures in coastal areas are expected to exceed 30 C, while the Fraser Valley and Southern Interior could see highs near 35 C. Offi

hamilton-police-arrest-32-in-organized-home-depot-theft-investigation

Hamilton police arrest 32 in organized Home Depot theft investigation

Hamilton Police Service says it has arrested 32 people and laid a total of 235 criminal charges following an investigation into an alleged organized retail theft ring targeting Home Depot stores in the city. According to a police news release issued Tuesday, the four-month investigation, dubbed Project Checkout, was launched after theft incidents at local Home Depot locations increased by 25 per cent. Police allege the group stole high-value merchandise from stores and later sold the items through online marketplaces at prices below retail value. Police said store employees were allegedly thre

Related News

Trump says Canada depends on U.S.; Poilievre calls proposed 50% tariff 'unjustified'

Trump says Canada depends on U.S.; Poilievre calls proposed 50% tariff 'unjustified'

U.S. President Donald Trump and Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre have exchanged sharply contrasting messages as trade tensions between Canada and the United States continue to escalate. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he "loves the people of Canada" but claimed the country "would not exist without the United States" and needs the U.S. to survive. The remarks come amid an ongoing trade dispute between the two countries. Poilievre, meanwhile, criticized Trump's proposed 50 per cent tariff, calling it "unjustified" and harmful to both Canadian workers and American consumers. According

Carney says Trump agreed to accelerate tariff talks as Canada weighs response

Carney says Trump agreed to accelerate tariff talks as Canada weighs response

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone on Tuesday morning about the latest tariff dispute, confirming the two leaders discussed measures announced by the United States. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Carney said the proposed U.S. tariffs violate the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). He said Trump agreed to accelerate discussions in the coming weeks as both countries seek to address the trade dispute. Asked whether Canada is considering retaliatory tariffs, Carney said all options remain on the table if the proposed U.S. tariffs tak

Carney criticizes Trump's new 50% tariff on Canadian imports

Carney criticizes Trump's new 50% tariff on Canadian imports

Prime Minister Mark Carney has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a new 50 per cent tariff on Canadian imports, calling it another example of the United States' unilateral trade policy. In a statement, Carney said the measure is a direct violation of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). According to the Prime Minister's statement, Canada has previously responded with proportionate countermeasures after the United States imposed what Ottawa described as unjustified tariffs on Canada's auto sector. Carney said Canada remains committed to protecting its wor

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital