Chinese police have taken stronger action against online rumors about terrorist attacks, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, five people have been detained for spreading false information online about terrorist attacks in China.
The rumors include the fabrication of a terrorist hacking eleven people to death in a school in south China's Shenzhen, which caused panic among the public.
The five detained have all expressed regret about their illegal actions.
"Fabricating and spreading online rumors, especially those about terrorist attacks, damage public order and social harmony," an MPS official said in the statement.
The police will not tolerate online rumors that cause panic, the official said, adding that they expect a more harmonious online environment with stronger efforts against Internet rumors.
