China's Internet regulatory authority stressed its determination to crack down on online rumors and rejected the view that a new interpretation by the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate on punishing rumormongers is oppressive to freedom of speech.

An unnamed official from the State Internet Information Office under the State Council was quoted by the Xinhua News Agency on Saturday as saying that the interpretation fulfills current social demands for combating online crimes and helps maintain public order, adding that it also reflects the rule of law in managing online activities.

The interpretation, which took effect on September 10, aims to create judicial boundaries for criminal online speech or conduct.

It speculates that online defamation will be regarded as "serious" if the post of false information has received 5,000 visits or has been reposted more than 500 times.

This means the person who posted the rumor will be subject to the country's Criminal Law and face up to three years in prison.

"There has been some misinterpretation by the media," said the official, adding that the new rules only target the spread of rumors and will not affect normal online discussions.

The official further rejected the idea that the new ruling oppresses freedom of speech.

"Cracking down on online rumors helps protect freedom of speech. Rumors will destroy our cyberspace. No country in the world would allow such a thing," said the official.

Hong Daode, a law professor with the China University of Political Science and Law, told the Global Times on Saturday that defamation should not be shaped by the pursuit for freedom of speech.

"There is a clear line between questioning and creating and spreading rumors. If you know something that is untrue and you purposely bring it up in the form of questioning, that too will be seen as defamation," said Hong.

The latest campaign, jointly launched by the Ministry of Public Security and other government bodies in order to crush online crimes, has resulted in the detention of hundreds of people.

Several well-known Internet personalities were also detained for spreading or fabricating rumors on the Internet.

However, the official with the Internet regulator also said it is misleading to say Xue Manzi, a Weibo celebrity, was arrested for his outspoken online speech.

The Chinese American, also named Xue Biqun, was detained on August 23 in Beijing.

"Xue was captured for alleged group sex with prostitutes and other illegal acts, but it has nothing to do with his identity as an online celebrity," the official added.