A government agency instructed Chinese search engine providers to reject illegal web content on Wednesday.

The new regulation, promulgated by the Internet Society of China (ISC), an industry group run by the Ministry of Information Industry, bars search engines from collecting, disseminating or linking to any websites with pornographic, illegal or inappropriate content.

Search engines must not provide services for or set up any contacts with such sites.

"The ISC should make sure that the self-discipline pact is well implemented to further crackdown on Chinese web porn and promote a healthy environment on the Internet," said Cai Mingzhao, vice minister of the State Council Information Office.

1,278 illegal websites have been shut down in response to public reports made through the official Reporting Center for Illegal and Harmful Information since June this year.

(Xinhua News Agency December 24, 2004)