Google China and Baidu Apologize, Agree to Cooperate with Chinese Filtration

According to reports in the Register, three of China’s most popular search engines, including Google China and Baidu, have apologized for being slow to remove links to pornographic websites.

This news comes in the wake of China’s pledge in early January to crack down on vulgar web content. China’s Ministry of Public Security is spearheading this latest campaign and is responsible for criticizing 19 Internet operators for disregarding prior warnings about linking to offensive content.

According to Cai Mingzhao, a deputy director of the State Council Information Office, “immediate action is needed to purify the Internet environment.”

Baidu, in an apology released last week, stated that the company was “deeply sorry” and regretted any “negative effects given to society.”

Google China promised on its blog to “work hard” to build a healthier and safer Internet culture.