China shuts dating websites over fraud, obscenity

BEIJING - China's Internet watchdog has shut and canceled 65 dating and other match-making websites for allowing fraud and spreading obscene content.

These websites allowed registration with false names, leaked customers' information, connived some users' fraud or spread obscene and lascivious content, according to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).

The circumstances were serious and the impacts terrible, said the CAC's statement.

Fraud and violations of regulations on dating websites have become a public nuisance to millions of users, especially around the Spring Festival when young people use such services during the holiday, according to the CAC which launched a campaign to combat fraud on these websites earlier this month.

The campaign lists fraud rings, prostitution and service providers' fraudulent practices as major targets. Dating websites must enforce online real-name registration and accounts failing to register with real names must be closed.