WeChat receives global TRUSTe certification

• 78% of smartphone users will not download an app that they do not trust, according to TRUSTe Index
• Certification helps ensure that WeChat is transparent and that it is accountable to its privacy policy

SHENZEN, China-based Tencent has announced that its WeChat app and website have been certified by TRUSTe, the global data privacy management company that provides privacy assessments, certifications, monitoring tools and compliance controls.
 
The certification is part of WeChat’s ongoing commitment to online privacy, transparency and consumer choice, the company said in a statement.
 
TRUSTe powers trusted relationships between users and service providers, Tencent said. The TRUSTe Certified Privacy Seal granted to WeChat and its website proves its operation has fulfilled the comprehensive privacy certification requirements established by TRUSTe.
 
The certification process helps to ensure that WeChat is transparent and that it is accountable to the practices outlined in the app’s privacy policy statement.
 
According to the TRUSTe Privacy Index 2013, 78% of smartphone users will not download an app that they do not trust, indicating the increasing concern of users on smartphone privacy.
 
“Consumers are becoming increasingly savvy and concerned about what personal information companies are collecting about them and how it is being used,” said Chris Babel, TRUSTe chief executive officer.
 
“With 78% unwilling to download an app they don’t trust, strong data privacy management practices are essential for any business looking to take advantage of new opportunities on mobile while building trust and protecting their brand.
 
“By achieving TRUSTe certification, WeChat is demonstrating to millions of global users a clear commitment to privacy and transparency about how data is collected and used within the app,” he added.
 
WeChat said it takes user privacy and data protection seriously and provides comprehensive privacy features and customisable security levels. The certification covers WeChat in five different mobile operating systems (Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Symbian and Windows Phone) and testifies to its promise to protect personal privacy, the company said.
 
WeChat has built privacy measures that allow users to control who joins their friends list, views their information and manages how others can find them online. For higher security and control, users have the option to activate two-way authentication to initiate a chat, opt in and out of location-based services (LBS) any time, and to block out undesirable contacts.
 
“This is a true milestone for WeChat,” said Poshu Yeung, vice president of the International Business Group at Tencent.
 
“WeChat has more than 100 million registered user accounts around the globe and is revolutionising the way people communicate in their daily lives by providing a completely unique experience.
 
“Now with TRUSTe certification, WeChat users can have peace-of-mind knowing their data is well protected when they are keeping in touch with friends, meeting new people and having fun,” he added.
 
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