China to launch internet courts in Beijing, Guangzhou

SHENZHEN - China plans to set up internet courts in Beijing and Guangzhou based on the experience of the internet court in Hangzhou, according to a statement from China's Supreme People's Court (SPC) on Wednesday.

The decision was announced during an SPC's videoconference.

China opened its first internet court in Hangzhou last August to cater to the increasing number of online disputes.

The SPC will toughen its stance on online rumors and fraud, trading personal information and others, said the statement.

The SPC promised strong action on food and drug safety, pollution, violence towards medical personnel and school bullying.

The SPC also pledged to combat gang crime and remove "protective umbrellas" -- officials who shelter criminal organizations by concealing their crimes and shielding them from punishment.