China shuts down 18 illegal live streaming apps

BEIJING: China today said it has closed 18 live streaming apps for disseminating illegal content.

Some app operators were punished for the lack of a mechanism to censor content and some anchors used the platforms to spread illegal content, dressed in military or police uniforms or were scantily dressed and acted flirtatiously, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said.

Some anchors publicised their WeChat or QQ accounts during live streaming to induce fans to engage in prostitution.

"The online behaviour of the anchors violated relevant Internet information service or live streaming laws and regulations, offended socialist core values, and brought negative impact to the healthy growth of the young and teenagers," CAC said.

The administration vowed to step up inspection and law enforcement, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.