Beware of the ill effects of digital hongbao

Mobile payment technology has indeed made life convenient for people, but it has also given the country's anti-corruption watchdog a headache. For example, anti-corruption agencies fear WeChat hongbao (red envelope), or the small amounts of lucky money people send through the Internet service portal of Tencent Inc, could have opened another door for officials to take bribes.

The service is an online extension of the traditional gifting of hongbao to relatives and friends during Spring Festival. By simply linking a debit card with your WeChat account, you can send a digital hongbao to any relative or friend in your contact group.

The service became a huge hit during Spring Festival in February this year with millions of people frantically tapping on their mobile phone screens to send small amounts of money to their relatives and friends.