China Warns Baidu Search Engine to Clean Porn Off Cloud

BEIJING — China’s porn cops have slapped a notice on search engine giant Baidu.com, to clean its Cloud of porn — or else.

The country's cultural administrative authorities reportedly found “obscene” and porn content on the online storage service after being tipped off by citizens as part of its “Cleaning the Web 2014” that began last November.

Beijing's anti-pornography and anti-illegal publications office said Baidu has already been warned about it’s nonchalant supervision of its cloud and was told to "promptly delete all files in question, shut down accounts uploading such content and present a report on its clean-up effort."

The warning came despite Baidu’s post last April that said "In order to cleanse cyber environment, Baidu Cloud thoroughly bans the sharing of pornographic content... Users are welcome to report improper resources."

In what appears to be a move to comply, the Xinhua new agency reported that a new anti-porn statement has emerged on the company’s forum stating that it’s now checking users’ shared files for questionable content.

Since it began, the campaign has led to the shutdown of 1,222 websites and deletion of about 2,200 pieces of text containing porn, according to official figures released in June.

Two other Chinese tech giants, portal Sina.com, and VOD provider Qvod were also recently put on notice by authorities and threatened to have their licenses revoked if they didn’t clean up their acts.

The crackdown is set to end November.

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

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More