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China's Wikipedia copycat 'self-censored'(UPI Top Stories Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)China's top Internet search company has launched an online encyclopedia modeled on Wikipedia, but self-censored to avoid offending the Chinese government. Wikipedia was becoming popular in China until government censors blocked it in 2005. The new service, launched last month by Baidu.com, is called Baidupedia. Baidu executive Robin Li said initial reaction had been very positive, the BBC reported Thursday. Li told the Financial Times that Baidupedia was modeled on Wikipedia, but said he was unaware Beijing had banned the U.S.-based reference Web site. In compliance with China's strict Internet laws, Baidu bans content that includes any malicious evaluation of the current national system, any attack on government institutions or promotion of a dispirited or negative view of life. Li's project highlights the sensitivities of operating in China, but also the opportunities available to local companies in light of Beijing's blocks on overseas Internet sites. The number of Internet users in China is expected to reach 187 million in two years. |