Update | China launches probe into Baidu over paid search listings after student dies following cancer treatment sourced online
Young man’s death after receiving experimental therapy at hospital listed on top of his Baidu search triggers public outrage
China’s internet watchdog has set up a task force to investigate the country’s biggest search engine Baidu, amid mounting criticism over its prominent placement of sponsored health care providers in its search results.
The probe was prompted by an outcry over the death of a 21-year-old man who sought treatment for cancer at a hospital that topped his Baidu search.
Critics said Baidu should do more to check the claims made by advertisers who pay for high rankings in online searches.
Officials from the Cyberspace Administration of China, health authorities and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce will investigate the firm and the practice.
Baidu said last night it welcomed the investigation and would cooperate fully. “The fitness and effectiveness of online information is the responsibility of every internet participant, including Baidu. Baidu will fully cooperate with the authorities’ investigation and accept oversight, leaving no opportunity for false online information and illegal activities,” China News Service quoted Baidu as saying.