The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the country's top Internet regulator, has ordered the closure of the microblogging accounts of celebrity blogger Ren Zhiqiang.

The CAC contended that Ren's microblobbing accounts on Sina and Tencent were used to spread illegal information that resulted in a vile influence, the officials Xinhua news agency has reported.

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CAC ordered Sina and Tencent on Sunday to shutdown Ren's account. Aside from a popular blogger in China, Ren is also a property developer.

"Cyberspace is not a lawless field and it should not be used to spread illegal information by anyone," said Jiang Jun spokesperson with the CAC.

The order to shut down Ren's microblogging accounts was reportedly based on reports by netizens, who told the CAC that the celebrity blogger had regularly posted illegal information.

Xinhua has reported that CAC's decision to shut down Ren's microblogging accounts was in accordance with China's laws and regulations.

The report also added that the decision of China's top Internet regulator was also based on a State Council circular that authorized the CAC to manage online information and content.

"Celebrity microbloggers should use their influence correctly, observe laws, and promote positive energy actively, Jiang said in a statement.

The CAC spokesperson went on in urging netizens and Internet service providers to further enhance awareness and continue to guard China's laws, the socialist system, and the national interest, and the authenticity of information.

Xinhua said the CAC has vowed intensify its law enforcement efforts, especially in monitoring and managing online content and information.

The outspoken Ren has come under fire for his comments about Chinese President Xi Jinping's exhortation to media that it must show absolute loyalty to the Communist Party.

Ren  said on Weibo shortly after Xi toured Xinhua, People's Daily and CCTV that the media should serve the people and reminded everyone that the news outfits were funded by taxpayers' money, and so should serve the public, rather than the government.

TagsRen Zheqiang, China Microbloggers