Partner Brian Burke presented on "The WeChat Effect — Understanding the Compliance Risks of Instant Messaging and Social Media Apps" in Shanghai on March 13, 2018. 

Instant messaging and social media apps such as WeChat, WhatsApp and QQ are having a profound impact on the way people communicate around the world. In Asia, where the adoption rate of such technologies has been nothing short of astounding, instant messages are already surpassing email as the primary mode of work communication. For the life sciences industry, mobile communication tools can bring significant advances, including remote diagnosis and treatment, direct HCP engagement for medical representatives, efficient appointment scheduling, expanded advertising opportunities, etc. At the same time, these apps open the door to serious compliance and regulatory risks, many of which have never been encountered previously.  During this session attendees:

• Learned key compliance risks associated with instant message and social media apps in the life  sciences industry, and assess what controls may be effective in reducing those risks
• Evaluated the pros and cons of allowing employees to use WeChat and similar apps in day-to-day communications
• Considered the regulatory and enforcement implications of using these apps
• Examined how to harness instant messaging and other mobile technologies for enhanced compliance monitoring