Groups linked to ‘Blue Whale’ suicide game found on Chinese messaging site
The groups referred to the ‘Blue Whale’ online challenge, which has triggered several young people around the world into taking their own lives
Chinese tech giant Tencent is investigating after references to a social media “game” that tries to goad young people into taking their own lives were found on one of its social media platforms, a news website reported.
Tencent has found at least 12 groups on its QQ instant messaging service using keywords related to the Blue Whale game, the China News Service reported.
The “game” is believed to have originated in Russia and it targets young people on social media, assigning them sinister challenges over a 50-day period, including self harm and ultimately taking their own lives.
The authorities in Britain, New Zealand, and France have warned teenagers of the dangers of getting involved in the game. Media reports have linked one teenager’s death in Kenya to Blue Whale.
Tencent’s QQ security team said it was continuing to halt the spread of Blue Whale on its network and urged users to report any suspicious groups, the China News Service reported.