Satellite TV dishes that were banned in China have been listed for sale on eBay's local Web site despite a crackdown on the unlawful viewing of foreign programs, state media, quoted in an AFP report said.
The AFP report said that eBay admitted that placing the dishes on its Web site "was a mistake" and has promised to correct it, according to Xinhua news agency.
'Any items that violate our user agreement and Chinese law are prohibited from our site,' an unnamed spokeswoman for eBay China, quoted by Xinhua, said.
Local authorities have launched a month-long hunt for illegal satellite dishes that can receive foreign programs, Xinhua said.
The Beijing Anti-Pornography and Anti-Piracy Office will target the production, distribution and installation of unauthorized satellite dishes, Xinhua said.
Individuals will be fined up to 5,000 yuan ($625) for installing the illegal dishes, the report said.
But adverts for satellite dishes were still up and running on Internet auction sites including eBay.com.cn even after the campaign's launch had been announced, the report said..
According to the eBay user agreement, satellite and cable TV descramblers, animals and wildlife products are prohibited from being sold online, the agency reported.