Beijing prosecutors have filed a civil legal action against Tencent over claims its messaging-app WeChat’s Youth Mode does not comply with laws protecting minors.
Youth Mode prevents younger users from accessing payments, playing certain games and finding nearby friends.
However, prosecutors have not specified exactly how the app is allegedly violating Chinese law.
Tencent said it would “investigate” the claim.
“We will earnestly inspect and check the functions of WeChat Youth Mode, accept user suggestions humbly and sincerely respond to civil public-interest litigation,” the company posted on Weibo.
WeChat, known as Weixin in China, has about 1.26 billion monthly active users.
Last week, Chinese authorities called for minors to be better protected from online dangers, with a state-media article labelling games as “spiritual opium”.
Tencent’s share price fell by more than 10% shortly after the article was published. Continue reading
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