China anonymous-confession app Mimi stirs concerns about ethics, bullying

A free phone app that lets users anonymously confess secrets, from extramarital affairs to invasions of a loved one’s privacy, earned as much criticism as it has fans in China since its launch two weeks ago.

Developed by Shenzhen-based Wumii Technology Limited, Mimi (which means “secret” in Chinese) encourages users to share their innermost thoughts without fear of being exposed, according to its description.

Users can log on using a cellphone number, then will be led to a screen where they can either post messages, read other people’s posts and comment or “like” them. But the app only shows messages from other Mimi users in the person’s phone book.

“I slept with my investor. I am a guy, and so is he,” one post reads.

“I check my boyfriend’s e-mails and WeChat messages daily,” another says.