#Baidu may face tougher rules after state media criticism | Reuters

Chinese search engine Baidu Inc may face tighter regulations after facing a barrage of criticism from state media over its business practices at a time when it is cementing its dominance of the booming Internet market.

Analysts and various state media have suggested tougher rules could be imposed on the company in the wake of an investigative report by China Central Television (CCTV) which exposed how easy it was to register and promote a fake website on Baidu's search platform and conduct fraud.

Baidu has built its share of China's search market significantly since Google's high-profile exit last year citing hacking and censorship concerns.