Baidu Exposes 168 Hazardous Chinese Websites

In observance of Consumer Rights Day, Chinese search engine company Baidu Inc. launched a special campaign to enhance Internet security in China.

Starting from March 14, 2012, Baidu launched a three-day webpage linked to from its front page, which leads to a special zone jointly hosted by Baidu and the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau. There are several sectors in this zone, providing channels for exposing and complaining about fraudulent websites and online activity.

The channel lists 168 irregular websites, which Baidu claims are involved in illegal promotions or promoted false information. These websites have apparently all been all reported by netizens and media and then blocked by Baidu.

Meanwhile, those sites who were suspected of violating laws have been reported to the public security department. Most of the exposed websites are reportedly engaged in sales of air tickets, medical products, mobile phone recharge cards, home appliances maintenance, and lottery ticket sales.

A representative from Baidu told local media that handling harmful and fake Internet information and irregular promotions is a long-term commitment of Baidu. The company plans to regularly publish the irregular website list to help netizens identify fake information during their search on the Internet. Meanwhile, the company hopes that Chinese netizens can participate and improve their Internet security awareness, and work together with the company to maintain a healthy and harmonious Internet environment.