Internet regulator tightens regulations on dating websites

China's Internet watchdog will target dating websites and other online match-making sites to combat fraud.

Fraud on dating websites has become a public nuisance to millions of users, especially young people, who use such services, said the Cyberspace Administration of China in a statement on Thursday.

The campaign lists fraud rings, prostitution and service providers' fraudulent practices as major targets. Dating websites must enforce online real-name registration and accounts failing to register with real names must be closed.

As people celebrate the lunar New Year, many of young people are pressed to find a spouse and dating websites are one way of dealing with the problem. Jiayuan.com claimed more than 100 million users in 2014.