China blog site shuts accounts over `rumours`

Beijing: China`s most popular microblogging
site has launched a crackdown on what it says is use of its
service to spread false rumours after the Communist Party told
Internet companies to tighten control over information.

Sina Corp.`s Weibo service has sent notices to its 200
million users denying two reports, including one about the
killing of a 19-year-old woman. It said accounts of users who
spread the reports were temporarily closed.

The ruling Communist Party is in the midst of its most
sweeping crackdown on dissent in years as it tries to prevent
the rise of Middle East-style protests.

A party leader told Internet companies last week to
tighten controls and prevent the spread of false and "harmful
information."

PTI