BEIJING -- The Ministry of Culture said Thursday that it had shut down dozens of hosting platforms for showing pornographic content in its latest crackdown on the industry.

The ministry has shut down 12 live broadcasting mobile apps, and given administrative punishments to another 20 apps.

A total of 291 apps have been removed from online app stores, and 544 new apps have been banned from entering stores, said the ministry.

In the crackdown, 30 online hosting platforms were investigated and punished for broadcasting illegal content.

The ministry has also closed 11,929 studios producing illegal content. A total of 31,347 presenters have been punished and 9,721 have had broadcasting contracts terminated.

Individuals are attracted to the money-making opportunities available by providing entertainment through live broadcasting websites and mobile apps. The viewers can send them money via virtual gifts and the hosting platforms take a cut.

The public has been encouraged to report illegal activity, by phone (010-59881010) or online (www.12318.gov.cn), said the ministry, vowing to continue a heavy-handed policy towards the pornography industry.