The mainland's top press censor says the country's expanding army of citizen journalists - members of the public who report and disseminate news on the internet - are reporting illegally, sparking fears that a crackdown is under way.
An article on the General Administration of Press and Publication's website said only accredited reporters from official news organisations were permitted to report news.
It said many websites run by ordinary people claiming to be whistle-blowers were making illegal profits by using their reports to blackmail others, including corrupt officials.
It also said official press cards issued by the administration would be subject to an annual vetting process. News organisations would be required to submit a 'self-inspection' report on the credentials of their journalists before applying for renewal of their press cards.
The administration started imposing a new accreditation system last year, ostensibly aimed at cracking down on bogus reporters, although it was widely feared to be a tool for tightening control over audacious reporters.
Amid the lack of a free press on the mainland, the internet plays an increasingly important role in exposing news that previously would never come to light.