China’s internet titans to tighten web controls

The chief executives of 39 Chinese internet, telecom and computer groups pledged this weekend to censor internet material more vigorously, the latest effort organized by China’s government to control the country’s fast-growing online media sector, the Financial Times reported. The group of executives, which included Alibaba Group founder and chairman Jack Ma, Baidu (BIDU.NYSE) CEO Robin Li, Tencent (700.HKG) founder Pony Ma and Sina (SINA.NASDAQ) CEO Charles Cao, attended a three-day political schooling session. State media said on Sunday that the CEOs reached a “consensus” that they “must strengthen self-control, self-restraint and strict self-discipline” to contain the spread of pornography, fraud, “online rumors” and “illegal, harmful information on the internet.” China’s government is widely viewed as having become more aggressive in its online censorship efforts, likely to help ensure a smooth leadership transition next year. Participants said they expected more such meetings in future.