Baidu, the Chinese search engine giant has enforced a blanket ban on all digital currency-related advertisements. This sudden move on Baidu’s part has left many cryptocurrency businesses surprised.
Baidu was among one of the first movers when it comes to Bitcoin payments. The company used to accept Bitcoin payments from its music service customers until the Chinese government issued an advisory warning against the use of Bitcoin to all financial institutions in the country. Almost three years since the withdrawal of Bitcoin payments, Baidu has now decided to distance itself from Bitcoin and other digital currency-related advertisements.
READ MORE: Baidu Stops Accepting Bitcoin Payments
According to reports, the move by Baidu comes at the time when complaints are piling up against the search provider for featuring misleading advertisements. Some believe that the increasing number of cryptocurrency linked scams is the reason being Baidu’s decision. The ban is also said to reflect the Chinese government’s official sentiment towards cryptocurrencies.
A leading business media outlet reported the development by quoting Zennon Kapron from Shanghai-based consulting firm, Kapronasia saying-
“It could be a precursor to China being ready to push for a more nationalized approach to virtual currencies. it could also be a case of consumer protection as there have been cases of scams.”
The ban on Bitcoin ads may not necessarily reflect the company’s stance towards Bitcoin. Baidu is one of the investors in the Chinese subsidiary of Circle – the bitcoin peer-to-peer payments platform.
In spite of Bitcoin being not so popular among the ruling class, the Chinese government has been showing interest in its underlying technology. The government recently announced the creation of Blockchain Working Group, to promote the development and implementation of Blockchain technology-based applications in the country.
READ MORE: Chinese Government Explores Digital Currency Technology with the Blockchain Working Group
The Chinese Bitcoin community is one of the leading contributors to the Bitcoin network. A majority of the hashing power is contributed by the Chinese miners. Baidu’s move is not likely to have a huge impact on legitimate digital currency businesses operating in the country. However, its impact on scams and other cryptocurrency investment frauds needs to be analyzed over time.
Ref: Bloomberg | The Economic Times | Image: Bloomberg