A Chinese app initially named 'dead or alive' has been repurposed into a government-backed personal safety tool called Sileme, requiring users to check in daily to confirm they are alive.

A controversial Chinese app with the allegedly offensive name “dead or alive” has been transformed into a government-backed safety tool. The app, called Sileme, or “Are you dead?”, went viral in January because of its straightforward name that challenged the traditional taboo notions about death. Its function was extremely simple. The sign-in app features a giant green button on the screen. A person only needs to touch the button every day to confirm their “alive” status. If they fail to check.....