China's Internet watchdog has shut down 128 dating websites in the past three months as it tries to combat online fraud and protect millions of users' interests.

The Cyberspace Administration of China said the sites lacked legal registration, were illegally leaking user information, allowed fraud and obscene content, or were connected with prostitution.

More than 20 dating websites were required to make changes or be suspended.

The CAC launched its campaign in early February. Most of the tips it acted on came from the public.

Online dating websites should take this opportunity to improve their operation and management as well as build trust among the public, the administration said.

Regulating the sector is a long-term effort and needs public support, it said, urging the public to report illegal websites through hotlines, e-mail or mobile apps.

Major players in the field have strengthened the enforcement of online real-name registration. Baihe.com, a dating website in China that claims to have 85 million registered members, has set up more than 130 offline service centers in more than 80 cities to identify online users.

"We also introduced identity authentication from the Ministry of Public Security to ensure the profiles of our members are authentic," said Tian Fanjiang, Baihe's chief executive officer.

Another leading portal, Jiayuan.com, said this campaign boosts the development of the industry and their website will invest more to upgrade technology.

Wang Shuqin, a professor at the College of Political Science and Law at Capital Normal University, said this move can help to build equal competition and raise legal consciousness among Internet companies.

suzhou@chinadaily.com.cn