The Chinese government fined 401 websites and online platforms for violations of laws and regulations in 2021, said the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) on Thursday.

Operators of 5,654 websites and online platforms were summoned for inquiries in 2021, with 4,445 cautioned and 3,008 suspended from operating, the CAC said in a press release.

The CAC also ordered 1,007 apps to be removed from app shops.

The CAC worked with telecom regulators to withdraw operation permits and registrations or close down more than 17,000 websites, said the statement.