Last updated: April 19, 2017
For the purposes of this Cookies Policy, “we”, “us” and “our” means:
for users located in the European Economic Area and Switzerland: Tencent International Service Europe BV.; and
for users located outside of the European Economic Area, Switzerland or the People’s Republic of China (excluding Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau): Tencent International Service Pte. Ltd.
If you either:
bind a mobile number that is made available to you in the People’s Republic of China (except for Taiwan, Hong Kong or Macau) ((i.e., a contact number that uses international dialing code +86)); or
have contracted with 深圳市腾讯计算机系统有限公司 (Shenzhen Tencent Computer Systems Company Limited) for Weixin or WeChat (for example, if you have downloaded Weixin or WeChat from the PRC iOS App Store or from a PRC Android app store),
you are subject to the Weixin Policy and not this Cookie Policy.
We use cookies, log files, web beacons, scripts and eTags to collect and store the information we automatically collect about your device and use of the WeChat application (“WeChat”). You can find out more about cookies and how to control them in the information below.
If you do not accept the use of these cookies, please disable them using the instructions in this cookie policy, by following the 'opt-out' links provided below or by changing your device settings.
Cookies are text files containing small amounts of information which are downloaded to your device when you log in to your WeChat account or use certain WeChat features. Cookies are then sent back to the originating server on each subsequent visit, or to another server that recognises that cookie. Cookies are widely used in order to make the WeChat work, or to work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the WeChat team.
Cookies do lots of different jobs, like letting you log in efficiently, remembering certain preferences, and generally improving the user experience. Cookies may tell us, for example, whether you have used the WeChat before or whether you are a new user.
We only serve cookies directly from us to your device. We do not serve any third party cookies.
Cookies can remain on your device for different periods of time. Some cookies are 'session cookies', meaning that they exist only while your application is open. These are deleted automatically once you close the application. Other cookies are 'permanent cookies', meaning that they survive after the application is closed. They can be used by WeChat to recognise your device when you open and use WeChat again.
We use cookies to:
retain authentication information in order to provide WeChat to you;
provide mapping and location-based services (such as “Shake” and “People Nearby”), which require your location;
retain your language preference;
track traffic flow and patterns of travel in connection with WeChat;
understand the total number of visitors to WeChat on an ongoing basis and the types of operating systems (e.g. iOS, Android) used;
monitor the performance of WeChat and to continually improve it; and
customise and enhance your WeChat experience.
The types of cookies used by us in connection with WeChat can be classified into the following categories:
| Type of cookie | What it does | How to block |
|---|---|---|
| Cookies necessary for essential services | These cookies are essential to provide you with the WeChat and to use some of its features, such as to authenticate log-in, secure WeChat and your information, and prevent fraudulent, criminal or other suspect activities. Without these cookies, services you have asked for, like transactional pages and secure login accounts, would not be possible. | Please see the instructions set out in 'How to control or delete cookies' below. |
| Functionality Cookies | Functionality cookies record information about choices you've made and allow us to tailor WeChat for you. These cookies mean that when you continue to use or come back to use WeChat, we can provide you with our services as you have asked for them to be provided. For example, these cookies allow us to:
| Please see the instructions set out in 'How to control or delete cookies' below. |
| Performance / Analytics Cookies | We use performance/analytics cookies to analyze how WeChat is accessed, used, or are performing in order to provide you with a better user experience and to maintain, operate and continually improve WeChat. For example, these cookies allow us to:
| Please see the instructions set out in 'How to control or delete cookies' below. |
| Advertising and Tracking Cookies | As you use the WeChat Services, you will notice that Official Accounts may make available or advertise products or services to you. We do not allow third party companies, including advertising companies, to place cookies on the WeChat Services, however, if you click the links displayed on Official Account pages, you will be taken to webpages operated by the relevant third party. The third party may place cookies on your device when you interact with their products, services or webpages. | All the operators of Official Accounts or other third parties that we work with have their own privacy policies and offer a mechanism for users to opt out tracking and behavioral targeting available through the opt out mechanisms listed in the 'How to control or delete cookies' section below. |
You have the right to choose whether or not to accept cookies and we have explained how you can exercise this right below. However, please note that if you choose to refuse cookies you may not be able to use the full functionality of WeChat.
Most devices (in the case of mobile applications) allow you to change your cookie settings. These settings will typically be found in the “options” or “preferences” menu of your device. In order to understand these settings, the following links may be helpful.
You can opt out of seeing online interest-based ads from WeChat Services and other participating companies through the Digital Advertising Alliance in the US, the Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada in Canada, or the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance in Europe or through your device settings.
We will occasionally update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices and services. When we post changes to this Cookie Policy, we will revise the "Last Updated" date at the top of this Cookie Policy. If we make any material changes in the way we collect, use, or share information held in cookies
If you would like to find out more about cookies and their use on the Internet, you may find the following links useful:
If you have disabled one or more cookies, we may still use information collected from cookies prior to your disabled preference being set, however, we will stop using the disabled cookie to collect any further information.
If you have any questions or comments about this cookies policy, or privacy matters generally, please contact us via email at dataprotection@wechat.
