Claimed as Anti-Fraud App... "Forced Installation of App for Monitoring Tibetan Residents in China"

Tibetan Human Rights Group Raises Issue
"Forcing Residents to Download App"

The Chinese government is facing criticism from human rights organizations and the international community amid allegations that an application (app) it forced Tibetan residents to install under the pretext of fraud prevention is actually used for surveillance purposes.

An application that the Chinese government forced Tibetan residents to install, claiming it was for fraud prevention. [Image source=BBC UK]

According to the BBC on the 7th (local time), Tibet Watch, a UK-based Tibetan human rights organization, and turquoise loop, a research network, jointly authored a report stating, "Since 2021, Chinese authorities have required Tibetan residents to install an app called the 'National Anti-Fraud Center' on their smartphones," adding, "Authorities announced it as a fraud prevention tool, but in reality, it is being used for monitoring residents."

The app was originally launched by the Chinese government to detect scam texts or calls such as voice phishing, allowing users to report and receive assistance from authorities for fraud prevention. However, the report revealed, "The app monitors users' texts and internet browser history and can access personal data," and "Forensic analysis found that some functions of the app could be exploited for surveillance purposes."

The report also pointed out that police dispatched to Tibet have been forcing residents to install the app. It explained, "According to testimonies from Tibetans, local police have compelled app installation at checkpoints while teaching residents how to install and use it," and "By using facial recognition verification features, authorities could collect large-scale data to strengthen tracking and monitoring of Tibetans."

The app is reported to have been installed on approximately 200 million smartphones since its release. The report noted that not only some government officials, for whom downloading was mandatory, but also civilians had no choice but to download the app for purposes such as school enrollment and ID card applications, which fueled dissatisfaction.

Some residents reportedly received contact from police after visiting foreign financial news websites, including Bloomberg News, following the installation of the app, the report said. It also pointed out that Chinese authorities are believed to hold large-scale personal data on Tibetans considered threats to Tibetan governance.

The report further urged, "An investigation should be conducted into claims that the Chinese government forced app downloads," emphasizing, "Global companies and governments should not provide resources to China's large-scale surveillance programs."