Google & Baidu Targeted in China’s Crackdown on Pornography

Monday, January 5th, 2009 by Taylor Pratt

Google & Baidu Targeted in China’s Crackdown on Pornography

Google China; Baidu China has launched a major crackdown on pornography today, and is asking Google and Baidu to do their part. Pornography is banned in China, but government officials are still struggling to block pornographic websites that are based abroad.

Despite pornography being blocked, both Google and Baidu are still returning search results that include pornographic links. China is now calling them out on their failed attempt to do their part in the crackdown against pornography.

In an attempt to get Google, Baidu and other websites to comply, the Chinese government released a statement on their website saying that “violators will be severely punished.” What exactly that punishment is remains unclear.

According to Cui Jin, a Google spokeswoman in China, Google is already in full compliance with Chinese law, and is not serving an pornographic links.

“If we find any violation, we will take action. So far, I haven’t seen any examples of violations,” Cui said.

We’ll keep you posted as this story continues to develop.

via The Associated Press

Social Media Monitoring in Just 60-Seconds. Guaranteed!

Similar Stories in: Search | Forward: Email This Post

Share this post

16 comments on “Google & Baidu Targeted in China’s Crackdown on Pornography”

Blog Expert Says:

January 5th, 2009 at 12:23 pm

I’m sure they are having pornographic links. But who really knows I guess.

Blog Expert’s last blog post..27 DoFollow Social Bookmarking Sites
Bill M Says:

January 5th, 2009 at 12:36 pm

The more they protect, the more the person will do it. There is just so many ways to get around it, proxies etc.

Bill M’s last blog post..December Networth Update
Milo Says:

January 5th, 2009 at 12:39 pm

I thought pornography was legal in China, as long as genitalia was pixelated/blurred?
Donace Says:

January 5th, 2009 at 1:32 pm

freedom of expression is seen to be a key human right and while china are not the forerunners in this. However it could be argued blocking pornography is a good move then again it could be see as a front to further other agendas.

Donace’s last blog post..Spam Attack
Silvia Says:

January 5th, 2009 at 10:23 pm

In china pornograghy is forbidden as in the other countries. Erotic is something of the other sort.
thewutzupphilippines Says:

January 6th, 2009 at 1:41 am

i think this is a difficult thing to do. the internet can’ be contained

thewutzupphilippines’s last blog post..Oprah and Ellen and Celine and Charice
Jacques Seoman Says:

January 6th, 2009 at 8:02 am

Severe punishment in China usually implies the death penalty…..now how is Google going to deal with that? Somebody must be held responsible. Seems like their Beijing office is in for a bit of fun and games!
Nicole Price Says:

January 6th, 2009 at 11:08 am

Please do. This is a very interesting development, sure to have very far reaching impacts on the Chinese internet usage.

Nicole Price’s last blog post..New Year Resolutions to Help You Save Money
Utah SEO Pro Says:

January 6th, 2009 at 11:59 am

So people will just start using alternative search engines then.

Utah SEO Pro’s last blog post..An Interview with Utah SEO Pro (Jordan Kasteler) by Martin Bowling
Quilmes Verano Says:

January 6th, 2009 at 4:13 pm

By “severely punished” they might altogether block Google.
Atniz Says:

January 9th, 2009 at 2:26 am

Looks like Chinese are very serious in this. I think it is too late for them to do that now. Anyway, nothing is impossible with google.

Atniz’s last blog post..Message To Work At Home Bloggers
Goran Web Design Says:

January 12th, 2009 at 7:01 am

hmmm. Just further proof of the archaic mindset of china… They’re way too stuck in the past if they really think that the Internet can so easily be contained
Wii Says:

January 13th, 2009 at 5:58 am

I don’t think the internet will ever be rid of porn. It is a way of life nowadays and china should accept peoples decision to ignore it or view it.
John Says:

January 13th, 2009 at 10:09 am

why not other countries do their part on this move?

John’s last blog post..Busby SEO Test the hard way
Web Design Beach Says:

January 13th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

That will be certainly hard to do, but everything that is a must will be done surely, especially from such giants like Google and Baidu.
DF Marketing SEO Says:

January 16th, 2009 at 10:07 am

Sounds like a large task ahead of them – that isn’t easy to do. I respect banning porn, I bet that it ruins many families – just like alcohol abuse.