A judge explains the court program on WeChat at the launch ceremony of its national version in Ningbo on Aug 14. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The national version of a smart court program on WeChat was launched for its test run in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on Aug 14, which means Ningbo's pioneering procedures in handling law cases online will be promoted nationwide.

The program began operating in Ningbo courts in January.  With advanced technologies such as face recognition, it allows litigants to register, submit materials, chat with judges, and get status updates on their cases on WeChat, one of the most popular social media platforms in China.

Since January, people who want courts to help solve their civil and commercial disputes have been able to register online and upload statements of claim and evidence materials with their smart phones. Judges can also serve litigation documents via WeChat. Moreover, the program provides platforms for conciliations where judges and litigants communicate via video or audio after identity authentication.

It provides convenience in lawsuits and improves work efficiency of the court system.

Over the past few months, nearly 70,000 cases have been handled on the online platform and over 100,000 people have benefitted from the program.

A staff member from Ningbo courts shows the court program on her phone. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]