A document whose title translates as "Self-Disciplined Rules Against Pornographic and Other Illegal Information By Internet Search Engine Service Providers" was released this week by the China Internet Association News Information Service Work Commission.

The commission's members include 147 well-known Chinese websites including Sina (SINA), Sohu (SOHU), Tom (TOMO), 3721, and Baidu.

The new guidelines stipulate that all search engine providers should not spread, include or link to any web pages or websites containing pornographic and other illegal information. They should also refrain from providing web services for such websites or begin cooperative relations with them.

The websites are encouraged to use legal technical means to block the spread of erotic information and to report all activities to local law enforcement agencies.