(ECNS) -- A controversial smartphone app that claims to find hatchet men for users has sparked backlash about promoting violence, Xinmin Evening News reported.
Introductions to the "Di Di Da Ren" app shows it promotes itself as "quality guaranteed" and offers hatchet men from various backgrounds, such as gym trainer, retired soldier, gangster, and wanted criminal.
The app became a heated topic on the Internet and also raised concerns that it would facilitate violence. Yu Hai, a sociologic professor at Fudan University, said it is a crime to assault others and that the app has made a mistake to offer such services.
Following public pressure, two major Android marketplaces have removed the app from among their offerings, while other download platforms have deleted an explicit aggressive message featured in the app's introduction.
However, users can still place orders for hatchet men to attack anyone against whom they might bear a grudge.
The app's developer said the app was merely an interactive platform to share information and make life easier. It prohibits users from posting illegal requests, with the developers stating they have no intention to facilitate criminal services.
