Web offers 'smoke screen' for sex trade

Use of Internet, especially mobile platforms, makes enforcement difficult, official says

Organizers of prostitution in China are using the Internet to promote their business and dodge inspections, making it more difficult for authorities to crack down on the underground sex trade, a senior official said on Thursday.

The Internet, especially through mobile platforms, is providing a "smoke screen for prostitution" and is helping to integrate the prostitution industry nationwide, the official said.