City officials in China have launched their own dating app trying to hitch unwed singles with their perfect match.

Town Hall bosses in the city of Guixi, Jiangxi Province, have created a database of all unmarried locals in a bid to tackle record-low marriage rates.

The move had caused outrage among some locals who suspect the government’s motives.

The app – reported local media – intends to sweep away centuries of marriage customs like lengthy betrothals, cash dowries and lavish gifts.

It is uncertain whether local singles will be able to make their own choices or if officials will pick potential partners for them.

And it has not been reported if people will be able to opt out of the app.

Local media reported that the city is also planning to introduce in-person events like giant speed dating to help people find partners.

Fewer young people in China are interested in getting hitched compared to previous generations leading to a significant drop in the country’s marriage rate.

In 2021, only 11.58 million people got married for the first time – the lowest number in almost four decades.

While some of Jiangxi’s residents have approved of the idea, others fear what officials will do with their intimate information.

Some social media users also expressed worry about such information potentially ending up online without their permission.

‘Rattan Pepper Fuli Ji Yanyan is pushing’ said: “Why don’t you build a database for sex offence domestic violence men who abduct and sell women and children.”

And ‘Yi Yiyi’ said: “Sex offenders and domestic violence offenders don’t build databases.”