China’s Baidu investigated over online gambling promotions

China’s internet regulator is to investigate reports that domestic search engine Baidu allowed illegal gambling websites to promote themselves on the platform.

In a statement, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said it will carry out a strict investigation and handle any illegal activities accordingly.

Various sources in the Chinese media have reported law enforcement officials found that some Baidu employees had profited by helping gambling websites to advertise their services through the search engine.

Gambling has been outlawed in the country since 1949, with a state lottery the only form of wagering allowed.

The CAC has urged search engines to not provide a channel to spread gambling and other illegal information.

Although Baidu declined to comment on the investigation, the company said in a post on its microblog account that it will work with Chinese authorities to assist them in their probe.

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