Sina banned from publication over online-porn accusations

Sina Internet Information Service Co, one of China's Internet giants, has been suspended from engaging in Internet publication and audio and video dissemination for allegedly running pornographic content online, the National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications said on Thursday.

"We have revoked the two licenses of Sina.com, including those for Internet publication and network distribution of audiovisual programs, and fined the company up to 5 million yuan ($800,000)," said Zhou Huilin, deputy director of the office.

The decision on Sina's licenses will be reviewed after the company removes all offensive material and revises its practices, Zhou said.