The Problem with WeChat, et al.

Do not use WeChat to contact me.

WeChat is a instant messaging program by the Chinese technology giant Tencent. It is insanely popular in Mainland China.

I do not use WeChat, when possible, for the following reasons.

• WeChat's client program is nonfree software.
• Many of WeChat's features are Service as a Software Substitute.
• WeChat's servers are nonfree; the service is centralized.
• Tencent suspends WeChat accounts for sending ``politically sensitive chats''.
• Information collected by WeChat is given to the police of the PRC without court warrants.

This list is incomplete. I can't think of more now, tell me if you know some more.

Similar problems are present in other popular Instant Messaging services such as WhatsApp, Discord, Tencent QQ, etc.