“Investigating WeChat” is a four-part series exploring the complexities and threats posed by Chinese social apps WeChat and its domestic version Weixin. In this article, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) looks at the differences and resemblances between the two versions. WeChat, known in China as Weixin, was launched in 2011 by […]

“Investigating WeChat” is a four-part series exploring the complexities and threats posed by Chinese social apps WeChat and its domestic version Weixin. In this article, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) brushes over the main characteristics of these apps and provides journalists with recommendations for usage. WeChat (and its domestic version Weixin), […]

Facial recognition is ubiquitous in China, and is being used by the Chinese regime to exert heavy social control over its population. This is a major threat to free and independent journalism and puts journalists at great risk. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) discusses why one cannot avoid facial recognition in […]

LINE, a messaging app mostly used in Asia, offers end-to-end encryption but also presents back-end security concerns and a history of data breaches. In this article, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) investigates the safety risks associated with LINE and how best to use the messaging app safely. LINE, a Japanese messaging […]

WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging app, is generally considered as safe but still presents data and privacy issues that journalists should be aware of. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) investigates the safety risks associated with this messaging app and how best to use it safely. WhatsApp, owned by Facebook’s parent […]

Weibo is one of the most popular social media platforms in China. Like all Chinese online services, it is subject to censorship and legally bound to hand over user data to the Chinese government if requested. In this last article of a six-part series, cybersecurity expert Ben Finn explains the […]

Social media Twitter, recently renamed “X,” has been one of the most useful apps for journalists but has become less safe and trustworthy due to late changes. In this fifth article of a six-part series, cybersecurity expert Ben Finn explains the main safety issues and suggests precautions for journalists to […]

As part of their daily work, journalists frequently have to open attachments and download electronic documents from unknown or untrustworthy sources, which poses a significant digital security risk. In this article, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) introduces Dangerzone, a free and open-source tool journalists can use to convert potentially dangerous documents […]

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) recently developed a Russian-language training guide on digital safety for independent Russian journalists and media workers in exile.  Внизу на русском Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) “Digital Safety Guide” is a handbook specially developed for regime-critical Russian journalists and media workers living outside the Russian Federation. Suitable […]

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) provides alternative methods to download Tor Browser, a crucial tool for circumventing censorship and ensuring online anonymity, for journalists in regions where its access is restricted. In today’s digital landscape, the fight for privacy and the right to information face significant challenges, especially within regions burdened […]