NGOs Complain to Gov't about 'False' Medical Ads on Baidu Forums

(Beijing) – Three dozen patients' rights groups have asked the government to investigate Baidu Inc. over what they say are illegal ads on its forums.

In a letter to the State Administration of Industry and Commerce (SAIC) on January 14, the 36 non-governmental organizations demanded that all advertising on Baidu be halted until an investigation is done.

Groups including Hangzhou Yiyou Charity, which helps hepatitis B patients, turned to the government after Baidu was found selling the rights to run patient bulletin board forums to private hospitals.