A total of 91 websites spanning China's 17 provincial regions were punished on Friday after they were found to have been involved in publishing pornographic magazines or cartoons.

The punishment ranged from closure to rectification through education, according to a statement publicized by the National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications.

Authorities with the office said they will "severely" punish websites involved in spreading pornographic or vulgar content, as well as those who are responsible for the websites.

The office launched a campaign against pornography in online game advertisements, mobile systems applications and online media players in March this year.