(ECNS) -- Beijing's anti-smoking campaign has added a new weapon -- WeChat, China's biggest Internet-based mobile messaging platform -- to allow easier reporting of smokers, Beijing News reported.
The Beijing Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning said the public can now report illegal smoking through a newly opened account on WeChat, mobile phone software that is increasingly used by companies and organizations to facilitate interaction.
In the Chinese language WeChat account wuyanbeijing, literally meaning smoke-free Beijing, a follower can submit information regarding the spotting of smokers, entities responsible for imposing smoke controls, detailed addresses and other information.
A user can also upload photos to the reporting platform. Once this is submitted, a marker will turn blue on a map alerting volunteers of the Beijing Tobacco Control Association to help address the complaint.
The account also allows followers to check anti-smoking information of a specific organization on a map. A flashing blue light means a unit complained three times at most, orange for three to five times and red for over five times.
The capital city already enforces China's strictest anti-smoking laws, banning smoking in all indoor public spaces, work areas and outdoor places like schools, hospitals and tourist spots.
