Beijing, Apr 28 (IANS): As many as 42 websites in China have been closed down for their involvement in cases of blackmail that saw them pose as accredited journalists capable of disclosing their victims' "negative information", said authorities.
They were found to have forced many entities and individuals to hand over money, reported Xinhua citing a source with the State Internet Information Office (SIIO).
The websites were operated under false names of government agencies or public welfare institutions and with fabricated press badges.
"Such odious practices have caused serious harm," said an official who added that the closures took place "recently".