42 websites closed over blackmailing
Updated: 2012-04-30 14:01
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
BEIJING - Chinese authorities have announced the closure of 42 websites involved in instances of blackmail, with the websites posing as accredited media entities that threatened to disclose "negative information" about their victims.
The administrators of the websites, including www.zgzxdcw.com and www.fz-china.com.cn, were found to have masqueraded as journalists from government agencies and public welfare institutions by using fake names and fabricated press badges, Xinhua was told Saturday by a source from the State Internet Information Office (SIIO).
News reporters are required to possess a press card issued by the General Administration of Press and Publication in order to report, according to an unnamed senior SIIO official.
The perpetrators forced several organizations and individuals to pay them "hush money," said the official, who added that the closures took place "recently" but did not specify the date.
"These odious practices have done serious harm," the official said, referring to the acts as "severely illegal."
The official said all perpetrators involved in the blackmail cases will be punished, urging the public to report any illegal online activity.
The SIIO also announced the recent closure of 21 websites for distributing pornographic content, bringing the total number of such websites to be closed by Chinese authorities since March to 107.
Related Stories
China investigates 185 websites for piracy, illegal activities 2012-04-27 16:06
CCTV to work with video website 2012-04-21 07:35
People's Daily website IPO to raise $246m 2012-04-18 17:50
China Daily helps Tianjin launch website 2012-04-16 16:08
Today's Top News
President Xi confident in recovery from quake
H7N9 update: 104 cases, 21 deaths
Telecom workers restore links
Coal mine blast kills 18 in Jilin
Intl scholarship puts China on the map
More bird flu patients discharged
Gold loses sheen, but still a safe bet
US 'turns blind eye to human rights'
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
All-out efforts to save lives |
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
Poultry industry under pressure |
'Spring' in the air for NGOs? |
Boy set to drive Chinese golf |
Latest technology gets people talking |