The Chinese-owned software is sometimes referred to as the “everything app” because it functions similarly to Facebook, Tinder, WhatsApp, and Amazon combined.

Western governments are worried about it, though, primarily because they believe the app has the potential to be used for user spying.

WeChat’s parent company, Tencent, has been contacted by the BBC for comment but has not yet responded.

Among the most popular apps worldwide is WeChat. In addition to being widely used in Southeast Asia and among Chinese diaspora communities, it is ubiquitous in China.

The ban in Canada takes effect right away.