Chinese app tells people if they are close to someone in debt

Authorities in China have launched an app that tells people if they are in close proximity to someone in debt.

An app named “a map of deadbeat debtors” has been launched in northern China and allows users to find out if there are any people in debt within 500 metres.

The app by the Higher People’s Court of Hebei province shows the debtor’s exact location, according to China Daily.

It aims to make it easier for people to whistle-blow on debtors deemed capable of paying their debts.

A spokesman from the court said: “It’s part of our measures to enforce our rulings and create a socially credible environment.”

It’s unclear whether the debtor’s personal information comes up in the app.

It comes as China prepares to roll out a social credit rating system nationally by 2020.

The credit system assigns a “trustworthiness” score to every citizen, according to Business Insider.

Those found in debt can have their social credit score downgraded.

One credit rating already in place bans people from using high-speed trains and flying. In some cases, people are even banned from real estate purchases or asking for loans.

In one case, a student had his university admission suspended because her father had failed to settle an old bank debt, according to state media.