The State Internet Information Office of China has urged increased vigilance in cracking down on fake news on the Internet.

The office said in a circular that all news websites must ensure the reports they publish are "true, comprehensive, objective and impartial."

It forbids running news that sacrifices truthfulness for the purpose of being first, or directly quoting content on social networking platforms as news.

The circular has demanded that websites give credit to the original news source and bans publishing hearsay as news or distorting facts.

A number of heavyweight news portals, including Sina.com.cn, 163.com, caijing.com.cn, qq.com and toutiao.com were either fined or disciplined for running news that broke the rules, according to the office.

The office was established in 2011 to direct, coordinate and supervise online content management and handle administrative approval of businesses related to online news reporting.

An official said the office will maintain strict control over fake news and information, and further improve legislation to regulate the spread of news online.