Chinese platform company UU Paotui launched a Lunar New Year 'proxy kowtow' service, but it was taken down following controversy.
According to Southern Metropolis Daily, citywide on-demand lifestyle service platform UU Paotui introduced a Lunar New Year proxy greetings package, in which the 'proxy greet elders package' included a kowtow service, charging 999 RMB (567 MYR) for 2 hours.
As per the UU Paotui App, the 'proxy greetings package' includes proxy purchase and delivery of New Year's gifts, requesting red envelopes from elders and relatives on behalf of users, and other services, charging 199 RMB (113 MYR) for 2 hours; the 'proxy greet elders package' not only offers proxy purchase and delivery of New Year's gifts, but also includes one minute of auspicious greetings and blessings, performing the kowtow ritual on behalf of the customer, and live video streaming of the process, charging 999 RMB for 2 hours. The service description stated: 'Though you are far away, the rituals can still be complete—UU helps you fulfill filial piety.'
This service triggered controversy, with some netizens remarking 'It feels awkward and unacceptable' and 'proxy kowtow is a bit strange.' On the 10th, the 'proxy greet elders package' was no longer found on the UU Paotui App.
On the 11th, UU Paotui issued a statement regarding the proxy greeting service, saying that the original intention of launching this service was to meet the specific needs of those who are away from home, have mobility difficulties, or are overseas and unable to return to greet family during the New Year. They hoped such services would help these people convey their care and sentiments, make up for the regret of not being able to greet in person, and provide better emotional value; it was not intended as profanation or distortion of traditional rituals.
The statement said that, in order to maintain a positive, healthy, and harmonious environment for online public opinion, and to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts caused by business innovation, UU Paotui has, after careful evaluation, proactively removed the controversial service items. For orders unable to be fulfilled due to the removal, users will be offered a compensation of three times the amount and a full refund to the original payment method.