Google accuser is accused
Gao Ye, the "man on the street" featured in the CCTV report who complained about finding pornography through Google searches may be a CCTV intern.
The report from CCTV aired last Thursday. It featured an interview with Gao in which he talked about a friend who had been captivated by pornography found on Google. The report prompted Beijing to order Google to block access to all foreign websites.
However, a subsequent "human flesh search engine" investigation by Chinese internet users discovered that Gao Ye's page on Xiaonei, a Chinese social networking site, indicated he was interning at CCTV.
This provoked speculation that CCTV is attempting to coerce Google to purchase advertising with the network to avoid negative coverage. Baidu spent US$5.85 million on CCTV advertising after the television network reported that Baidu was selling search engine listings.
Baidu, China's most popular search engine, is also looking to increase its advantage over Google in the domestic market by acquiring other internet companies. Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Li said the company has been approached by various potential acquisition targets and is considering the correct strategy.
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