BEIJING -- The Ministry of Culture has urged online streaming websites to strengthen supervision and maintain a healthy online environment.

Platforms that violate online streaming regulations shall be shut down, the ministry said at an industry conference.

Online streaming has grown rapidly in China in recent years, generating huge business opportunities while bringing challenges to regulators.

The ministry asked operators to eliminate content that is pornographic, infringes on privacy, and spreads false ideas.

It demanded that presenters that violate rules be banned, while encouraging those that act responsibly.

Experts have also been called to conduct research in the industry to offer their suggestions.