China shuts down web accounts for vulgar content, celebrity gossip

China's top internet regulator said on Monday it has shut down or muted a number of web accounts that gained traction by posting vulgar content or sensationalizing celebrity gossip.

The Cyberspace Administration of China disclosed the action on its website, saying the penalties were part of a broader campaign to curb illegal online content and clean up inappropriate information related to "fan quan," a term for highly organized groups of celebrity worshippers.

"In recent months, we have identified accounts that secretly photographed or stalked celebrities during their private activities and posted unverified information. We also found accounts that fabricated or circulated false messages to attract online viewers," the agency said.

Some accounts, it said, used euphemisms, metaphors or other indirect methods to promote celebrity gossip "without any ethical boundaries." The behaviors have "severely disrupted the online ecosystem," it said.

Authorities have instructed cyberspace regulators nationwide to intensify oversight of websites and social media platforms, cracking down on those who post vulgar content and incite conflicts between fans. The goal, the agency said, is to purify the online environment and encourage young people to support their idols sensibly.

Fan quan, or fan circles, are highly organized groups of devoted supporters who share information about their idols and voluntarily invest time, money and skills to boost the popularity of performers, typically pop stars or actors.

Public concern has grown after some fan circles were found to be encouraging irrational support for celebrities, such as raising money, flaunting wealth or engaging in online feuds with fans of rival performers.