China launches investigation into online porn, fake news organizations

BEIJING - Four teams of inspectors are undertaking a month-long investigation into online pornography and fake news organizations across 11 Chinese provincial-level regions.

The investigation, which will finish May 26, aims to clean up "harmful" information online, targeting live-streaming, cloud service providers, mobile apps and websites circulating pornographic content, the National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications said Monday.

Inspectors are also tasked with looking into news blackmailing, fake news, journalists and media organizations, said the statement.

Jointly launched by China's various anti-pornography, publicity and internet-related authorities, the investigation is being carried out in areas including Beijing and Shanghai municipalities, as well as provinces of Guizhou, Jiangxi and Shaanxi.