New research indicates that the Chinese ‘super-app’ WeChat has expanded its function beyond social media to become a key component of China’s public security infrastructure. The app’s integration into daily life, from messaging to mobile payments, means everyday digital activities are feeding into a sophisticated state security architecture. This joint operation between the state and a private company illustrates the risks of unregulated digital governance and mass surveillance. For the tech giant, compliance with government demands is necessary for business survival, severely impacting user privacy. This situation presents a significant challenge for Chinese diaspora communities who rely on the app to connect globally.
Nov 20, 2025 independent.co.uk