CUHK Students Say They Were Asked to Sign In via WeChat QR Code; University Says Part-Time Tutor Reminded to Use Official System

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Some students at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) claimed they received an email requiring them to download the mobile application "WeChat" to scan a QR code for attendance, and to enable location services to detect whether students were in a designated classroom. The arrangement was said to be inconsistent with CUHK's personal privacy policy, sparking discussion. CUHK confirmed that a part-time tutor had voluntarily asked students to use a non-official system to record attendance, and the department concerned had immediately reminded the tutor to switch to the university's official system.

📧 Email Required Downloading WeChat and Enabling Location; Stressed Test Was Not Official Attendance
A CUHK student reposted the email content online, stating that students were required to download "WeChat" and enable location services before the next class to conduct a "test sign-in." The sign-in would only be valid if the location showed CUHK's Faculty of Law, CUHK Library Road, or CUHK Lee Shau Kee Building. The email did not explain the reason for using WeChat for sign-in, but stressed that the test sign-in would not be counted as official attendance. Some netizens questioned the use of third-party software, fearing privacy issues. The poster said they had complained to the relevant department.

🏫 University: Part-Time Tutor Acted Voluntarily; Reminded to Use Official System
CUHK replied that a part-time tutor of an individual class had voluntarily asked students to use a non-official system to record attendance. After learning of the incident, the department concerned immediately reminded the tutor to switch to the university's official system. The university stressed that it attaches great importance to information security, and that it has internal systems for staff to record student attendance, including "uReply Attendance" and CUHK's Registration and Attendance System (RAS).

🔒 Information Technology Services Centre Guidelines: Avoid Using WeChat and Other Social Media to Collect Personal Data
It is understood that "uReply Attendance" is a class sign-in system developed by the university, in which tutors or teaching assistants generate a QR code for students to sign in, or use a handheld card reader for students to tap their student cards on site. The relevant guidelines of CUHK's Information Technology Services Centre also specifically name WeChat, WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media as platforms to avoid using for collecting personal data, and require that collected data be protected.