(Xinhua) 19:20, August 21, 2013
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Beijing police have detained two men accused of starting online rumors, another movemarking China's zero-tolerance stance toward those who create and spread rumors.
Yang Xiuyu and Qin Zhihui have confessed to the crimes of fabricating and spreadingonline rumors as well as taking profits from illegal acts. Four other men suspected ofcolluding with them have also been interrogated.
The Internet has become greatly influential to society, and it is critical for netizens to followan online code of conduct to create a sound virtual realm.
Deceptive information is made and spread by some people for the purpose of attractingpublic attention, obtaining illegal profits and maliciously provoking social unrest.
Some who create rumors think they might escape punishment, and some innocent netizensrepost rumors without distinguishing right from wrong.
Seen from the lessons of previous cases, fabricating and spreading false information notonly affects people's interests but also arouses panic and even disturbs the normal socialorder. Moreover, anyone might become a victim.
As resolve to eradicate online rumors strengthens, more measures are needed to carry outthe campaign.
Relevant laws and monitoring systems should be further improved, such as imposingharsher punishment on online rumor-starters so that they will be aware of the severe costof committing online crimes.
Moreover, people who are affected by online abuse should take up the weapon of the law todefend their own interests and rights and fight against illegal actions.
China is a country that respects and protects free speech, but people should also bear inmind that greater online freedom is guaranteed by greater responsibility.
People should maintain moral principles and denounce any activities that harm thereputation and interests of others so as to stop the Internet from decaying into a land ofabusive language and rumors.
（Editor：DuMingming、Liang Jun）
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