Chinese Net Firms "Sorry" For Failing To Purge Smut

Chinese Net Firms "Sorry" For Failing To Purge Smut

Three Chinese internet operators have apologised for failing to purge "vulgar" content following a Government pledge to expose and shut down offending websites.
China launched a renewed crackdown to stamp out vulgar content on the internet earlier this week, which analysts linked to a broader campaign to stifle dissent and protest as the economy slows in a year of politically sensitive anniversaries.



"We feel deeply guilty," Baidu, China's number one search engine, says in a statement posted on its website. "We apologise to internet users for any negative effects given to society."

NetEase.com, China's number two online game operator, and SINA Corp also issued public apologies on their websites. "As to our problems and any harm they could possibly have caused internet users, SINA feels deeply sad and concerned," the online media group says.



China's ruling Communist Party is wary of threats to its grip on information and has conducted numerous censorship efforts targeting porn, anti-government criticism and websites selling fake drugs.