Effective 07.04.2026, WeChat updated its Privacy Policy. The new update drops the word “permanent” in various data deletion practices such as Chat Messages & Chat Media (line 161), Log Data (line 163) and Location Data (line 164).
The removal of the word “permanently” may imply that WeChat do not guarantee irretrievable erasure of user data from their systems immediately upon indicated deletion window. Thus user data, for instance, may still be available in their backup servers.

In addition, the new policy now adopts stricter approach to age verification.

• WeChat require the birth month and year, age status to create account (line 178);
• The policy introduced (optional) “ID Verification” information that is available in certain jurisdiction if the user choose to verify themselves for purposes such as age verification or unblocking account (line 197);
• The following change signals more proactive approach to minors’ use of the service:

“Children under the age of 13 (or such applicable age of majority under relevant local laws of the user) (“Child“) must not use WeChat for any purpose without first obtaining parental/guardian consent” (line 256)”

changed to:

“Subject to applicable laws, we do not allow Minors (individuals under the age of 13 or such applicable age threshold under relevant local laws) to use WeChat without first obtaining parental/guardian consent” (line 294)

Author: Ayşe Darakçı

🔗 Link to the version: https://github.com/OpenTermsArchive/pga-versions/commit/3a11ce43541def14d0089b7d1e6cc425010d20cb#diff-3f89e1dd7c85223e287b7c20684c3d114d9be600459066bd42863bf6bcb2ffacR8-R78