Parents in China told to delete encrypted messaging apps from kids’ phones to prevent inadvertent role in online scams

Encrypted messaging apps are a ‘grey zone’, as criminals can easily destroy proof, police in multiple Chinese cities warn in social media posts. Kids fooled into chatting with them may be regarded as assisting Internet crimes, the posts say, urging that parents delete such apps. — SCMP

Police in China have urged parents to delete encrypted messaging apps from their children’s smartphones to prevent the youngsters inadvertently becoming an “accomplice” to fraud.

The social media accounts of local police forces around the country have been circulating messages since last week warning against children using instant messaging apps like the long-blocked Telegram and domestically founded BatChat.