China’s internet regulator has shut over 120 dating sites, in their latest campaign to crackdown on online pornography and fraud.
The Cyberspace Administration of China also told 20 online dating sites to change their practices, or risk being shut down.
In a statement, the government watchdog said sites were shut because they didn’t keep records of user registrations, they intentionally leaked user information, and spread pornography and vulgar content.
The online crackdown was launched back in February, designed to stop prostitution and fraud rings operating on dating sites.
The administration said fraud on dating sites was a “public nuisance to millions of users, especially young people”.
In addition to this, the government called for online dating sites to ensure all members were authentic, and said all accounts that weren’t registered with real names must be closed.
The watchdog also said some sites allowed users to publish pornographic novels.
Many tips about such content came from the public, and the CAC are encouraging consumers to report illegal activity via email, hotlines or mobile apps.
The CEO of Jiayuan said the clampdown will benefit the dating industry in the longterm.
To adhere to the new regulations, Chinese dating site Baihe.com recently introduced identity authentication from the Ministry of Public Security to ensure their users were authentic.