Beijing launches severe crackdown on online rumors

Police in Beijing will launch a severe crackdown on Internet user who spread rumors online, the capital's director of the Public Security Bureau has announced.

Fu Zhenghua, speaking at a meeting focused on cleaning up cyberspace, said the one month campaign will continue until the end of August and is aimed at creating a healthy online environment for minors.

People who attack the Party, the nation leaders or the current political system will be punished as well as illegal online fraudsters, Fu said at the meeting held on Tuesday.

The Municipal Public Security Bureau has set up accounts on 239 online interactive platforms to monitor comments.

So far, the municipal public security system has investigated 3,916 cases and arrested 5,007 suspects.