China’s Xinhua News Agency says the Chinese authorities have launched a special campaign to crack down on false news reports as part of the Chinese government’s efforts to maintain media accountability.

The campaign is being jointly conducted by the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) and the National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publication (NOAPIP).

The GAPP said the crackdown will last through the end of the year and is aimed at reporters who produce false or incorrect reports or fail to base their stories on objective reporting rules and facts.

The campaign also targets media organizations and publishers that operate without the Chinese government’s permission, such as those established under the name of foreign media companies or consulting firms.

Critics are blasting the move saying it is Beijing’s attempt to gag the media and silence criticism against the government amid growing social discontent.