China orders microblog operators to tighten censorship

BEIJING (AP) — Ratcheting up control over Chinese microblogs, regulators ordered operators on Friday to set up a mechanism to remove false information after the most popular service was criticized for allowing prohibited material to spread.

The order adds to a steady drumbeat of new measures imposed by the government of President Xi Jiinping to tighten control over what China's public can see and say online while still trying to reap the economic benefits of internet use.

Microblog operators must set up a mechanism to monitor accounts for false information and delete it, said an order by the Cyberspace Administration of China. It said operators must keep a copy of what users post for six months.