A call for Internet companies to be mindful of the language used when practicing freedom of expression, was issued by the Beijing Internet Association in a statement released on Monday.

The statement said the Internet is plagued by "made-up stories, rumors, slandering, cursing, and swearing".

It urged Internet users to be civilized in their discourse and rational when making comments online.

It also asked them abide by the law, and respect other people's privacy.

The association also called for Internet companies to be self-disciplined and responsible by providing positive information and deleting negative information to create a "healthy Internet."

The association, established in October 2004, is a non-profit organization with 104 members. The current president is Tong Liqiang, executive vice-director of the Beijing Internet Information Office, the city's web content management authority.