Tencent, China’s largest Internet service portal, recently closed 12 suspicious network groups on the‘Blue Whale’ suicide game from Russia. The provider also blocked the use of certain keywords, as the game has resulted in a wave of suicides worldwide, China News reported on May 9.

The game has become a subject of heated debate across the internet. Tencent stated that attention from society, collaboration from all network platforms and internet users’ cooperation are all necessary to control the situation. In addition, Tencent reminded people to report abnormal circumstances to authorities, as the game is suspected of involvement in criminal acts, as well as of organizing and inciting people to commit suicide and self-harm.