WeChat and Guangzhou government to introduce WeChat ID
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WeChat may soon become an indispensable part of the Chinese citizens after a report emerged claiming that the Tencent-owned messaging app will be used to officially ID people.
The Guangzhou government has reportedly initiated a pilot program which creates a virtual ID card through WeChat account of registered users. This Virtual ID card has the same purpose as that of a normal state-issued ID card.
The South China Morning Post claims that according to Xinhua, the service will soon be introduced in the rest of the country as well.
WeChat is currently the largest social media platform in China and also has additional features such as payments and money transfers. The program, called the WeChat ID, was co-developed by the Ministry of Public Security and the WeChat team said the report.
The WeChat ID can be used as an official ID to register in hotels or applying for government jobs without bringing in the state issued ID.
A similar kind of electronic ID system was earlier implemented in the city of Wuhan, where the branch of the Public Security Bureau partnered up with Alipay to launch an electronic ID card service as reported.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which government entity is collaborating on the WeChat ID programme?
Which government entity is collaborating on the WeChat ID programme?
The WeChat ID programme was co-developed by the WeChat team and the Ministry of Public Security. The Guangzhou government initiated the pilot program for the virtual ID card.
Q.What are some practical uses for the new WeChat ID?
What are some practical uses for the new WeChat ID?
The WeChat ID can be used for official identification, such as registering in hotels or applying for government jobs. It serves the same purpose as a normal state-issued ID card.
Q.Which other city in China has implemented a similar electronic ID system?
Which other city in China has implemented a similar electronic ID system?
A similar electronic ID system was previously implemented in Wuhan. The Public Security Bureau branch in Wuhan partnered with Alipay to launch that electronic ID card service.
Q.Will this virtual ID system be rolled out nationwide?
Will this virtual ID system be rolled out nationwide?
Yes, according to Xinhua and the South China Morning Post, the service is expected to be introduced in the rest of the country soon. Guangzhou currently runs a pilot programme.
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