The use of common mobile apps by Chinese authorities is a double-edged sword; supporting both public services as well as enhanced surveillance activities. As an example, Chinese authorities recovered over 660 missing children in 2016 using the "Tuan Yuan" (“reunion”) app. App users near the location where a child is reported missing receive push notifications, including photos and descriptions of the lost child. Notifications are sent to app users farther and farther from the location of the disappearance if the child is not immediately found. Chinese police use of apps like Tuan Yuan, ride sharing, and even shopping apps, significantly accelerate efforts to find persons of interest.
TLP: AMBER
ACTOR TYPE: (N/A)
SERIAL: TR-028-2017
COUNTRIES: CN
INDUSTRIES:
RERPORT DATE: 20170206
