Chinese authorities ordered the closure of 51 websites found to
be carrying illegal drug advertisements, the Ministry of
Information Industry said on Tuesday.
Inspectors found sexually suggestive adverts involving drugs and
sex-related health supplements, said an official with the
ministry.
Of the banned websites, 22 were operating in southwestern Yunnan
Province, five in eastern Zhejiang Province, nine in southeastern
Fujian Province, one in northern Hebei Province, 13 in northeastern
Liaoning Province and one in northern Shaanxi Province.
In addition, dozens of websites registered in eastern Jiangsu
and central Hubei provinces will soon be closed for the same
reason, the official said, without mentioning penalties.
He said the ministry had ordered local departments to shut down
websites identified as illegal by industry and commerce
authorities, drug and health watchdogs and Chinese medicine
institutions.
The ministry also urged local Internet network information
centers to publicize relevant laws and regulations, clean up
websites under their supervision and promote self-discipline among
operators.
(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2008)