Is someone in debt nearby? Chinese court uses chat app to alert people as part of social credit system
- Map in WeChat mini-program developed by Hebei Higher Court identifies nearby debtors, while users can also report people to the court
- Chinese government’s expanding social credit system already prevents those with debts buying travel tickets and sending children to expensive schools
In a new addition to China’s data-driven social credit system, people in Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing, can check whether there are debtors near them with a swipe of their fingers.
The “Laolai Map” – laolai is a derogatory term for people who fail to pay back money – was announced by the Hebei Higher People’s Court last week. Developed by the court, the map can be found on a WeChat mini-program – a tiny application that runs on WeChat’s interface.
It pinpoints the user’s location and scans a radius of 500 metres (550 yards) for any laolai, including individuals, company employees and other organisations. The public can share the information as WeChat moments or with friends.
The public can also report any debtors online, according to a notice from the court. People can click on a person’s name and report any leads they may have to the court.
“The development and application of the map can further realise the connection and sharing of information on debtors and create a social honesty framework that limits those who lose their credibility in many ways,” the court said.
The Chinese government started developing the social credit system policy in 2011. It rates Chinese citizens, businesses and authorities, and affects everything from loan approvals to permission to board flights. The system is expected to be fully in place by 2020, but is already partially in operation.
