A smartphone application named “Staying away from duty-related crimes” has been launched by the prosecutors office in Chongqing. The app is intended to raise awareness of graft and encourage whistleblowing against corrupt officials.
It’s available free on both the Apple app store and Google Play.
With six sections, the app delivers information on corruption-related regulations, previous corruption cases, mottos and phrases from party leaders and ancient philosophers like Confucius. There are also animated short films showing corruption prevention measures.
Netizens have flooded to social media platform Weibo to comment on the app’s effectiveness. Some people believe it’s just a show and a waste of taxpayers’ money. Some are even concerned the app may disclose whistleblowers’ identities, leading to retaliation.
“Utilizing new technology is good, but the idea of fighting corruption through mottos and advices is very naïve,” one Weibo user wrote.
The app was developed by mobile software company Chongqing Han Tao Technology Co., Ltd, also known as Handit. The cost of the app hasn’t been disclosed, leading to public speculation that graft may have been involved in the contract to develop the app.
Source: Southern Metropolis Daily (南方都市报), Global Times, JCRB.com (正义网), Sina Weibo
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Hui Zhi is a Senior China Analyst with ethiXbase and the China Compliance Digest.
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