Chinese government launches anti-corruption mobile app

World Today

China launched an anti-corruption mobile app on the first day of 2015, as part the government’s widespread efforts to crack down on corruption. CCTV News reporter Wu Guoxiu reported this story from Beijing.

Mobile users can download the official app on both Apple and Android phones. The tool offers breaking news and updates on major anti-corruption initiatives.

The hope is that the app and the government’s anti-corruption website will raise public awareness for their campaign.

The official website of the Communist Party of China’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection has become one of the most popular websites since it was launched last September with up to six million visits in one day. The site publishes the most timely and authoritative news of corrupt “tigers” (high-level officials) and “flies” (low-level officials). Anyone can blow the whistle on any official and leave comments.

“We are seeing more and more people following the anti-corruption campaign. The updated website and new app are expected to reach a broader audience. More people, home and abroad, can download the app and get involved in the campaign. Their opinion and ideas, no matter what, can be beneficial to authorities,” Gao Bo, deputy secretary-general of Anti-Corruption Research Center said.

The past year saw the fall from grace of some of the country’s biggest names in politics and the military. Some of those investigated were at the highest levels of the government since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. So far, 25,000 officials have faced investigation on suspicion of corruption in just the first half of last year.

China has also proposed more cross-border cooperation in apprehending corrupt officials who have fled the country.

“Anti-corruption has become a new normal that has been confirmed time and time again over the past year. The year was a turning point… It’s shocked the world and given confidence to Chinese people,” Gao said.

Surveys showed anti-corruption was the hottest online topic in 2014, followed by judicial issues, and public affairs.