DHAKA: China on Monday launched a crackdown on several mobile news applications that provide news information services without approval from government regulators, threatening to shut down those who refuse to ‘rectify’.

The ruling follows a government campaign to curb ‘online rumours’, as the government tries to rein in social media.

The State Internet Information Office said that some of the news applications carried ‘pornography and obscene information and harm the physical and mental health of youngsters’, and others published false information.

Some mobile news applications also provide a channel for subscribers in China to read articles published by foreign media outlets whose articles have been blocked in China, such as the New York Times, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1820 HRS, SEPT 30, 2013
RoR/GCP