China's top internet regulator, Lu Wei, is likely to step down soon and will be replaced by his current deputy, Xu Lin, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

Lu Wei, director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, is solely responsible for regulating online content for world's largest internet audience. He is widely considered responsible for bringing many tough regulations that have vehemently curbed online criticisms against Chinese government.     

Like Us on Facebook

The 56-year-old Lu has publicly defended China's tough internet regulations on several occasions. A big section of China's internet users solely blame Lu for curbing their online freedom, but many have praised him for contributing to social stability by streamlining public opinions on several important social issues.

Experts say that Lu's departure signals an important shift in an organization that is considered to be critical in the eyes of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Cyberspace Administration of China has still not issued any official statement about the report.

The Cyberspace Administration of China was formed by Xi nearly two years back, in order to keep close tabs on China's internet users and online content. Many analysts claim that China's strict internet censorship is owing to the deep-rooted fear that internet may be used as a potential weapon by its enemies.     

Many years ago, American internet giant Google shut down its operations in China, citing that it could not operate under strict censorship regulation. Even social media gaint Facebook has been banned in China for several years now. 

Tagschina, Lu Wei, Xu Lin, Cyberspace Administration of China, Internet censorship, China censorship