Baidu Apologizes for Links to Adult Websites

BEIJING — Baidu, China’s most popular search engine, issued an apology today for hosting links to pornography after the Chinese government accused it and other websites of having “negative effects” on Internet users.

The apology was issued in response to the government’s announcement on Monday that Baidu, as well as Google and 17 other websites, had failed to “efficiently” respond to warnings and remove links to content deemed vulgar or obscene.

Baidu officials said they felt “deeply guilty” for spreading such content, and that “besides deleting the obscene content and links concerned, we have improved our regulatory system. We apologize to the Netizens at large for the negative impacts we brought upon the society.”

The distribution of pornographic content is illegal in China, but the applicable laws and the definition of what makes content vulgar or pornographic are vague, according to Wang Qiang of the Beijing Internet Management Office, which is responsible for punishing Internet law violators. Cui Jin, a spokesperson for Google in Beijing, said the vague definitions of pornography and vulgarity make it difficult to regulate content and allow or disallow it accordingly.

Authorities are currently working on punishment schemes for the vague charge of spreading vulgarity, according to Qiang.

Several other blacklisted websites, including Internet service portals Sohu and Tencent, have also issued apologies. Google included a note in its Google China blog about fixing links to “vulgar content,” but had not issued an apology or public statement at time of post.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

Show More