China shuts over 200 microblogs for pornography

BEIJING, CHINA: China has shut down 206 microblogs for distributing pornographic and vulgar content.

The investigations were carried out following tips from people, said the State Internet Information Office (SIIO).

All of the accounts were registered at four of China's largest microblogging sites - Sina.com.cn, Sohu.com, 163.com and QQ.com - with 130 accounts set up through Sina, reported Xinhua.

The SIIO has urged the country's microblog providers and Internet portals to fulfil their legal and social obligations and "refuse to be used as a platform to spread obscene material".

"The SIIO and other departments will strengthen supervision over microblogs and other technology-based content in accordance with laws and regulations," the statement said.