Tencent, the largest instant communication software developer in China, has made a public apology to users who are infuriated by the company's new service called "Make a Fool".

"Make a Fool" was a new function that Tencent launched for its instant communication tool's value-added avatar service QQ Show.

The cancelled function allowed netizens to "make fools of others" by paying two QQ virtual coins to change someone else's avatar image. Those who fell victim then had to spend three QQ coins to switch their avatar back to its original state. If they did not pay to have it switched, the avatar would automatically switch after 12 hours.

Users were outraged and vented their frustrations online, where many they said they felt humiliated.

Tencent promises to compensate the concerned users.