China accuses WeChat of not complying with laws to protect children

Beijing has filed a civil lawsuit against Shenzhen Tencent Computer Systems and their popular social messaging app WeChat saying its "Youth Mode" does not comply with the country's laws to protect minors.

The lawsuit was filed by Beijing's Haidian district people's procuratorate. The document published on JCRB.com, a website run by China's top prosecutor, says that other agencies and organisations that intended to bring lawsuits against the Tencent unit can receive support from the prosecutor's office. People were asked to contact the office within 30 days, reported Reuters.

When it is turned on, the feature in question limits young user's access to some games and functions like making payments and finding nearby friends. Authorities say that minors should be better protected from online dangers.

Tencent's shares were affected heavily after a state media article called its video games 'spiritual opium'. The company announced a set of new curbs on minors' access to its video game Honor of Kings.

Tencent hasn't responded to the lawsuit yet.