Sina suspends its literature site after authorities publicize finding of pornographic content

BEIJING, China – Sina.com says it has temporarily closed its literature site after the Chinese web giant was alleged to be hosting pornography.

A notice on its reading channel Friday said Sina had decided to take books off its site while it undergoes “a self-correction action” to screen their content.

State media reported Thursday that broadcasting authorities had decided to revoke Sina’s licenses on Internet publishing and online audiovisual broadcasting and impose “a large number of fines,” while some of its employees were being investigated by police. This came after authorities allegedly found pornographic content on its literature and video sites. Sina’s video site was still operating normally Friday.

While the government periodically launches campaigns targeting obscene content, this is the first time a major Internet company has faced such a heavy punishment.