Alerts. Real-time analysis of events occurring at the intersection of economics, finance and global security concerns.

On March 11, 2018, Australia’s Defense Department banned its staff from using the messaging application, WeChat, on work phones.  The software, which is a product of Chinese tech giant Tencent, is reportedly viewed by the Australian government as unsafe.  It is believed to have the potential for being exploited to access local networks, not just as a means for intercepting communications and stealing personal data.  A spokesperson told the Australian Financial Review that “Defence does not provide or support the use of unauthorised software, including the WeChat social media application, on Defence mobile devices.”