I decided to stop using WeChat after careful consideration. This was not a sudden or emotional decision, but the result of long-term concerns about the platform and its direction.
First, WeChat’s privacy policy does not meet my expectations. The scope of data collection is broad, opaque, and offers users very limited control. As someone who values digital privacy, I am not comfortable with how personal data is handled.
Second, content censorship is deeply embedded in the platform. Messages, keywords, and accounts can be restricted or removed without transparency or due process. This directly conflicts with my belief in open communication and freedom of expression.
Third, there have been multiple reports of data leaks and security risks. Even the perception that private data could be exposed or misused undermines trust in the platform.
Fourth, WeChat does not provide true end-to-end encryption (E2EE) comparable to tools like Signal. Without strong cryptographic guarantees, private conversations cannot be considered truly private.
Fifth, from a usability and technology perspective, WeChat feels less modern and less flexible than alternatives such as Telegram. Features, user experience, and openness to innovation lag behind more contemporary platforms.
Sixth, over time, I noticed that fewer and fewer people actually contacted me via WeChat. Maintaining an account became unnecessary when meaningful communication had already moved elsewhere.
Finally, and most importantly, the platform’s political and ideological stance differs fundamentally from what I believe in. I support openness, open-source software, decentralization, individual liberty, labor and human rights. WeChat, as a platform, does not align with these values.
For these reasons, quitting WeChat was a conscious and value-driven choice. I prefer communication tools that respect privacy, encourage openness, and empower users rather than control them.