WeChat adds list of data it collects as Tencent aims to comply with China’s strict new regulations

The latest version of the messaging app includes a list in the settings detailing what data has been collected, including contacts and location
The feature is meant to comply with China’s strict new data requirements under the Personal Information Protection Law and other regulations enacted last year

WeChat

Iris Dengin Shenzhen

Published: 5:00pm, 10 Jan 2022

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WeChat, the ubiquitous messaging super app operated by Tencent Holdings, is rolling out an update that includes a detailed list of the personal information that it collects, the latest move from the company to comply with strict new laws and regulations in China governing user data.

The list can be found in the settings of the latest version of the app, which is currently still in beta testing on Android devices. It includes basic user information, devices associated with the account, contacts and data generated within the app, according to a report by Chinese technology news site IThome on Saturday. A list of which data has been shared with third parties is also available.

Tencent confirmed that the new version of WeChat is in beta testing but did not elaborate on the list feature.

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The addition of the list is meant to comply with the country’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), which went into effect in November, along with other regulatory requirements, according to a person with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be named.

The PIPL is one of several measures taken last year tightening rules on the handling of user data. It is regarded as one of the world’s toughest laws governing the collection and use of personal data, with a far-reaching impact that is often compared to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation.

The law states that companies need user consent to collect sensitive personal data on things like biometrics, medical health, financial accounts, and location. Platforms found to be illegally collecting personal information face suspension or termination of services.

Over the past several months, China’s new data rules have forced Tencent to make several changes to WeChat, the most-used mobile app in the country with more than 1.26 billion monthly active users worldwide.

In July, the company suspended new user registrations for more than a week for a “security upgrade” to comply with “relevant laws and regulations”. It was a rare disruption in service for the app since its launch in 2011.

Tencent also started drawing a clearer line between WeChat and Weixin, the Chinese name of the app that is used to refer to accounts linked to a mainland China phone number. In September, some users started seeing requests asking them to choose between the two types of accounts to comply with regulations on cybersecurity and cross-border data transfers.

The Shenzhen-based tech giant also set up a new privacy oversight committee in October, tasking the group with assessing the company’s user data protections. It was the first Big Tech firm in China to set up such a body, as required by the PIPL.

The group, officially called the “personal information protection external oversight committee”, will “independently appraise” Tencent’s efforts to protect the privacy of its users and products. It offers guidance and suggests changes to company practices as needed, according to Tencent.

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