Supporters of the Credit System claim that the system helps to regulate social behavior, improve the “trustworthiness” which includes paying taxes and bills on time and promote traditional moral values.
In Shanghai, Starting May 1, 2016, elderly residents may sue their children or other family members if the latter do not regularly visit the elderly, and the courts in Shanghai may rule that the children or other family members must visit the elderly and, if rejected, the children or relevant family members will be blacklisted.
In Suzou, Starting 2016, twenty-five types of residents’ behavior will cost a drop in their credit scores, including cheating in online video games, making reservations at hotels or restaurants but not showing up, failing to pay cellphone bills promptly, failing to pick up take-out foods ordered, etc. On the other hand, making blood donations or doing volunteer work may boost one’s credit score.
In Jinan, on January 1, 2017, a credit system for dog owners became effective. Owners will lose 3 points if caught for the first time that their dogs are not kept on a leash in public places or disturb other people or the poops are not cleaned up in the public, etc; the owners will lose another 3 points if caught for the second time because of the same issues; the owners will lose all 12 points if caught for the third time and will not be allowed to keep any dog in the following 5 years.