Misleading TV ads targeted by authorities

Chinese authorities have launched a six-month campaign targeting phony, misleading or otherwise illegal TV shopping commercials, the country's authority for industry and commerce announced.

Seven government departments under the State Council will work to curb advertisements that mislead consumers by making false or exaggerated claims about products, the State Administration of Industry and Commerce said in a news release on Monday.

Industry and commerce authorities nationwide will increase their scrutiny of TV shopping advertisements to verify their contents.

Business owners found to have put up fake or otherwise illegal advertisements repeatedly will receive punishment that could include suspension of the business.

Advertising companies and TV stations will also be punished for making and publishing misleading commercials, the authority said.

The campaign, which began this month, is set to run until June.