CCDI app lets users upload video evidence
China's top discipline watchdog on Thursday launched a new function on its website and smartphone app that allows whistle-blowers to directly upload photos and videos of officials enjoying luxurious meals or using government vehicles for personal purposes.
The new function, the interface of which looks somewhat like a Weibo input display, allows whistle-blowers to submit a description of up to 500 characters and upload two pictures or a video file no bigger than 5 megabytes as evidence.
All reports can be completed anonymously to protect the identity of the whistle-blowers.
The move is targeted at cleaning up officials' undesirable work styles which authorities describe as "formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism and extravagance."
These undesirable activities include paying for luxurious meals or trips with public funds; inappropriate use of government vehicles; purchasing extra office space; holding grand weddings or funerals; buying entertainments or gym memberships with public funds; receiving or giving cash as gifts; and any other discipline violation.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China Central Committee said it hopes to build a convenient platform to encourage people to act as its eyes and ears.
The release of the new function came two days ahead of China's traditional Dragon Boat Festival. The CCDI has previously said that officials are more likely to break the rules during holidays.
The new function received largely positive feedback from netizens on Thursday though some urged the CCDI to follow up on tip-offs more thoroughly.
China's anti-graft campaign has seen several top officials, including former security chief Zhou Yongkang, indicted on corruption charges.
