The Government of Canada has issued a directive restricting the use of Kaspersky Lab products on official smartphones used by federal employees. Alongside Kaspersky Lab software, the messaging app WeChat from China was also prohibited. This action was reported by PCMag in the coverage surrounding the decision.
PCMag noted that the move followed an assessment by the Canadian CIO Association, which identified unacceptable risks to user privacy associated with both WeChat and Kaspersky Lab applications. The regulators were particularly concerned with how these apps collect data and the extent of access they request to smartphone functionalities.
A Treasury Board spokesperson explained that the government adopts a risk-based approach to cybersecurity. The aim is to limit exposure to potential threats by removing access to certain applications on government mobile devices. The Government of Canada emphasizes ongoing efforts to safeguard information systems and networks, ensuring the privacy and security of government data. The Treasury Board President emphasised that threats will be monitored regularly and that action will be taken immediately when necessary, as circumstances warrant.
PCMag also noted that there is no publicly available evidence at the moment to substantiate the concerns raised. The Treasury Board’s decision is presented as a preventive measure intended to reduce potential risk without waiting for confirmed incidents.
There is historical context regarding the Android platform where some apps have been implicated in symptom reporting or other privacy-related issues in the past. The government’s stance remains focused on proactive risk management and the ongoing evaluation of mobile software to protect sensitive information handled by federal agencies.
Overall, the Canadian government’s policy reflects a cautious, methodical approach to mobile security. By restricting certain apps on official devices, authorities aim to minimize data exposure and safeguard the integrity of public-sector networks while continuing to assess evolving threats and adjust protections as needed. The emphasis remains on privacy protections, controlled access to device features, and continuous vigilance against emerging cybersecurity risks. These measures are part of a broader strategy to maintain trust in public technology use and to ensure that government communications stay secure against a rapidly changing threat landscape. The conversation around app permissions, data handling practices, and national security considerations continues to evolve as new intelligence and technology developments emerge, guiding future policy updates and risk assessments.