WeChat, one of China's most popular social media platforms, announced on Wednesday that it will launch a crackdown on accounts and content that create or spread online rumors and false information related to hot social security issues.

WeChat stated in its announcement that some users have created and spread online rumors in recent hot events related to social security, published defective content that stirred up public opposition and disrupted the normal order of online communication.

Rumors circulated online recently saying that one of the four victims in an incident at a barbecue restaurant in Tangshan, North China's Hebei Province, had died.

The incident on June 10, in which four women were attacked, sparked outrage on Chinese social media platforms with many commenting on the need for protection for women and safeguarding public security. The public also called for a thorough investigation and strict punishment for the perpetrators.

In response to rumors circulating online, the hospital where the victims were treated noted that the two victims were transferred to a general ward where they had to use wheelchairs to get in and out of the ward, and were receiving proper treatment.

None of the victims died in the incident, a staff member of the Women's Federation of Lubei district in Tangshan told the media, adding that the public should not believe and spread rumors, and that authorities will take measures against false information circulating online.

WeChat also vowed to crack down on all kinds of bad behavior, and urged users to maintain an objective and rational attitude toward hot social security issues and not to spread unverified information.

Global Times