China punishes 158 illegal livestreaming platforms

BEIJING -- Chinese authorities have punished 158 illegal livestreaming platforms since a nationwide crackdown on irregularities in the industry was launched in early June.

These platforms were urged to clear up harmful accounts and information, and ban streamers violating laws and regulations, according to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).

Many problems in the livestreaming industry are yet to be rooted out, including vulgar pop-ups, illegal advertising, pornography, and online gambling fraud, said an official with the CAC.

The crackdown campaign will next focus on tightening the management of livestreaming platforms in terms of ICP license and market access, according to the CAC.

Relevant departments will formulate regulations on online rewards, and set up a credit evaluation system to encourage streamers to provide high-quality content, the CAC said.