Authorities in Jiangxi Province have been forced to clarify that local couples are not allowed to complete divorce procedures online via an Alipay's mini-program, reports the Beijing Youth Daily.

A Chinese divorce certificate(Left) and marriage certificate(Right). [File Photo: VCG]

The announcement follows the release of a new feature on Alipay, which allows divorced couples in Jiangxi o obtain a digital divorce certificates through a mini-program service.

The service has since generated online controversy, with opponents suggesting it will lead to a groundswell of divorces, given its apparent simplicity.

Luo Tiejun with Jiangxi's provincial Department of Civil Affairs, has been forced to clarify the situation. "The 'divorce certificate on Alipay' is no more than an electric version linked to one's physical divorce certificate, and can only be generated after couples completed their legal divorce formalities."

The official added that both electronic marriage certificates and divorce certificates are as legal as paper-based documents.

Launched by Alipay and Jiangxi's provincial government, the mini program is reportedly providing around 110 E-government public services in Jiangxi, including booking medical appointments, paying utility bills and more.