| Beijing, CHINA, January 11, 2001
- Leading Internet portal SOHU.com (NASDAQ: SOHU) announced today that Ministry
of Information Industry (MII) officials have awarded the company an Internet
content provider (ICP) license. SOHU.com, along with other reputable portals in
Mainland China, belongs to the first group of companies 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 today.
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 last year 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."
About SOHU.com
SOHU.com is the leading Internet portal in
Mainland China with current daily page views exceeding 12 million. It provides
navigation/search, news, sports, business and finance, real estate channel,
entertainment, chat, email and e-commerce activities for a solid and wide base
of visitors. Dr. Charles Zhang founded SOHU.com in 1997. Its investors include
Intel, Dow Jones, IDG, the Morningside China Group, PCCW, Legend and Hikari. Its
content partners include CNET, DOW Jones and dozens of local media organizations
in China.
For further information:
Dahlia Wei
SOHU Investor
Relations and Communications
Tel: +86 10 6272 6598
E-mail:
ir@sohu-inc.com
http://www.sohu.com/about/English/ |
