China shuts down over 580 social media accounts, accusing them of spreading rumours, misleading public and violating constitution

The Chinese government has reportedly suspended 580 social media accounts for spreading rumours, confusing people or disrupting social order.

Some of the users were popular with thousands of followers on Weibo, a Chinese site similar to Twitter.

In a statement, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) accused users of ‘ignoring their social responsibilities, abusing their influence, staining the honour of the state and disrupting social order’.

The organisation said it had also ordered other websites to get rid of 2,000 ‘rumours’ about government policy, the Australian reported.

China is accused of tightening censorship of the internet. From next month, foreign websites will have to get approval from the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television before publishing articles.

The new controls will also apply to ‘creative content’ including games, cartoons and video.

China takes control of information very seriously.

Earlier this year media outlets reported how censors were deleting any references to Winnie the Pooh, after a meme started going round comparing president Xi Jinping to the cartoon bear, pictured above.