Chinese Internet watchdog launches crackdown on illicit online accounts

BEIJING -- The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the country's top cyberspace regulator, has launched a special campaign to crack down on social media accounts posting illicit content.

The two-month campaign aims to deal with social media accounts with actions that disrupt the order of cyberspace, such as concocting fake news, rumormongering and smears against heroic martyrs.

Under the guidance of the CAC, cyberspace administrations in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong Province have made headway recently, with a total of 6,126 pieces of online articles removed and 18,576 accounts shut down, according to preliminary statistics.

The top cyberspace regulator will focus on the pressing issues, give heavier punishment, and release the results of the crackdown campaign.