The information engineering department at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) recently sparked controversy after implementing a new attendance registration policy. The department requested that students use the mainland Chinese messaging application WeChat to check into classes, specifically requiring that location services be enabled on their devices.

The policy became public knowledge after a student shared a screenshot of an internal email on the social media platform Threads. The requirement prompted immediate pushback from students and online observers concerned about data privacy and the potential surveillance implications of using a platform with deep ties to mainland Chinese infrastructure.

Following the public outcry, the department issued a clarification stating that the use of WeChat for attendance purposes is not mandatory. While the department initially presented the tool as a primary method for tracking attendance, the subsequent adjustment suggests that students who are uncomfortable using the app or enabling location tracking may opt out. As of now, the university has not provided further details on what alternative methods will be offered to those who choose not to use the platform, nor have they commented on why WeChat was selected as the preferred technology for this administrative task.