BEIJING -- In the first three months of the year, China's Internet watchdog shut down 1,046 illegal websites for spreading pornographic content or information that jeopardizes national security.

Eighty-five websites were given warnings and 8,008 microblog accounts were shut down during the same period, said the Cyberspace Administration of China in a statement released Tuesday.

The top Internet regulator said 89 cases were transferred to judicial organs.

In one case, Ronganwang.com was required by the cyber watchdog in Guangxi to suspend operations for 15 days for spreading information about violent and terrorist activities.

Others were punished for publishing information about illegal acts, including blackmail, telecom fraud, illegal fundraising and exam cheating.

The administration pledged to strengthen the crackdown on illegal websites and welcomed tips from the public in order to ensure a healthy online environment.