BEIJING, May 22 -- China's top internet regulator has launched a two-month nationwide campaign to tackle online defamation, extortion, and malicious marketing that harm businesses and entrepreneurs.

Announced Thursday by the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the campaign aims to clean up the digital environment and support a healthier business climate amid the country's drive for high-quality development, Xinhua reports.

The initiative targets so-called "black mouths" -- online accounts or influencers who spread false or damaging content about companies for profit or leverage.

Key issues include fabricating negative claims about product quality or finances, and demanding "deletion" or "PR" fees in exchange for removi...