‘Relationship surveillance tool’: China dating apps launch location tracking for couples to monitor each other, claim it enhances trust, security

Dating apps in China are now offering features that allow couples to track each other's locations. This new service is meant to increase trust and security, but it's causing arguments and problems for some. To use these features, like real-time tracking and phone usage checks, you have to pay for a subscription. There are also extra things you can buy, like 'make-up cards' for more than 10 yuan, which are used to apologize if someone forgets to check in with the app. nnXia Ting was interested in the location-tracking feature of a dating app, thinking it would help her relationship. But things went wrong when her boyfriend accused her of going to an esports hotel because the app showed her there, even though she was at home. The app's customer service said the mistake could be because of bad GPS signals. Xia tried to clear her name by spending a lot of money on a service that promised to prove where she was, but it was a fraud, and she lost her money. She believes that these tracking features can be harmful. nnThe debate on social media in China reflects Xia's experience. People are questioning whether tracking someone's location really builds trust or if it's just a way to keep an eye on your partner. Critics argue that needing such software indicates a lack of trust from the start, and that it can lead to the very problems you're afraid of in a relationship.