A Chinese government-backed Internet watchdog has sharply criticized Google Inc. for allowing access to pornography through its Web site.

Some of Google China's online search business was suspended and the U.S. company was told to clear up what the government considered to be "lewd" information promptly.

The China Internet Illegal Information Reporting Center accused Google's Chinese site of "disseminating large amounts of pornographic and vulgar information" but gave no examples. It recommended punishment without elaborating, The Wall Street Journal said Friday.

A Google spokesman said the company has been "continually working to deal with pornographic content -- and material that is harmful to children -- on the Web in China" and would renew that effort.

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