Agencies use tricks to fuel Weibo trends

PG One fans' attack on Party magazine leads to criticism from web watchdog

Shanghai's internet watchdog has criticized agencies that offer to manipulate rankings on Sina Weibo to create "hot topics", after a mix-up involving hip-hop fans and a Party magazine.

In an article released via WeChat on Wednesday, the city cyberspace authority warned of the risks of using money to twist public opinion and accused Sina Weibo of failing to deal with the problem.