Baidu, the Google of China, reportedly has received approval from the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) to become a domain name registrar. Why do we care?

Remember when Google became a domain registrar in January 2005? We, SEOs, did not stop worrying about if Google would use that data in their search algorithms. Most SEOs believe, without a doubt, Google uses some whois data, data that is easily provided to them, in their algorithms.

This week we reported that Google resets link data for expired domains. We have reported several times how Google might use whois data in part of their algorithm:

• Really, Does Google Use Whois Registrar Data to Rank Sites? Can They?
• Google Admits to Improve Search Quality with Registrar Data
• Changing Domain Name Ownership Whois Information & Google Search Ranking Impact
• The "Google Certified Domain Change" Proposal
• Google Registers Domains Through Google App
• Impact of Changing Registrar Data on Search Rankings
• Buy Expired Domains For SEO Link Value?

So yes, a search engine becoming a registrar is important. If you optimize for the Chinese market, then Baidu is important.

Will Baidu become a registrar to register domains internally, for others as a portal or use it for search algorithmic purposes?

Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.