Sohu.com Receives ICP LicenseLeading Internet portal Sohu.com announced Thursday, January 11, that the Ministry of Information Industry £¨MII£©officials have awarded the company an Internet content provider£¨ICP£©license.Sohu.com, along with other popular portals in Chinese mainland, is the first company to receive an official mandate that allows online information services to continue operating in line with recently promulgated Internet regulations. The license is valid for one year as of December 29, 2000. The allocation of the first group of ICP licenses ensures a stable Internet environment in China that allows ever more online customers to receive the premium content that has made the Internet proliferate to reach the audience level of 20 million. In addition to authorizing the 'Search Fox' to continue publishing online news and general content, the ICP license gives Sohu.com the green light to continue developing unique media products in areas such as health, advertising, education and online securities. "Sohu.com is committed to enhancing the online experience of its customers, and this license from MII provides the regulatory framework whereby we can accomplish our strategic mission," said Charles Zhang, CEO & president of Sohu.com. "The ICP license further strengthens the working relationship between the State and private new media enterprises by enhancing their legal status. We will work with the government to create an Internet environment where stability and growth go hand-in-hand for everyone to benefit." Late 2000 the Chinese government introduced regulations that formed the framework for web portals in China to conduct ICP operations and publish online news. According to Charles Zhang, "Sohu.com is playing by the rules and intends to use this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to continuing a solid and thriving relationship with the State." |
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