China demands clampdown on popular quiz apps

China has called for a clampdown on online quiz shows which have surged in popularity in recent months.

The country's media and publication regulator said there was "vulgar and tawdry" content in some of the quizzes.

Companies should avoid promoting extravagance or sensationalism and focus on spreading "healthy, beneficial knowledge", it added.

On some occasions, up to six million people have been logged in to play an individual quiz.

At least two of the leading apps are now displaying messages saying that their quizzes are being halted temporarily.
How do these quizzes work?

The games tend to follow the same format as quizzes such as HQ Trivia, which has become very popular in the US.

Played on smartphones in real time, they are free to enter and anyone can download the many quiz apps which have popped up.

Hosted live by a real quizmaster, competitors have to answer a series of multiple-choice questions.

You typically only get ten seconds to respond (presumably to try and limit cheating). And getting an answer wrong means you're out.

Those remaining at the end of the quiz share the prize money.


Source: BBC NEWS