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Google’s Censorship in China January 27, 2006

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Google’s decision to censor results in China has become a floodgate of protests–a scenario that’s almost like Edsa II, only that you cannot really impeach a search engine, can you? 

Since the controversial news, we’ve seen bloggers discontinuing google ads, displeased civil rights groups, outraged Tibetans, students rallying in protest, logo-making contests of sorts (how creative) and well, countless disappointed people, not only in China, but around the globe.

Which makes one wonder, when Google agreed to comply with the Chinese government in censoring the web for Chinese users, did they anticipate such clamor?

Andrew McLaughlin, Google’s senior policy counsel, speaks up.

“We know that many people are upset about this decision, and frankly, we understand their point of view. This wasn’t an easy choice, but in the end, we believe the course of action we’ve chosen will prove to be the right one..

We are convinced that the Internet, and its continued development through the efforts of companies like Google, will effectively contribute to openness and prosperity in the world. Our continued engagement with China is the best (perhaps only) way for Google to help bring the tremendous benefits of universal information access to all our users there.”

(Via Google Blog)

Sadly, however, such speech does not really calm the nerves of the outraged googlesearch-ing public. The damage has been done, and to borrow Loren Baker’s words, a can of worms has already been opened up.

And yes, it doesn’t seem like it’s going away anytime soon.

Comments»

1. David Temple - February 2, 2006

I think it’s much ado about nothing. Yes China’s human rights record is appalling but the US has been doing business with China to the tune of a nearly $200 billiion trade deficit. That’s up from $6.2 billion in 1985 soe each year it’s grown larger. Add to that the fact that China owns some $8 billiion dollars of our $4.7 trillion dollar public debt. Obviously the US government and public has supported the Chinese government by buying and borrowing from China in big numbers. So for Google not to get into the China market would be un American and un business like. I doubt Google share holders are going to sell anytime soon, especially since the stock dropped 10%. No, hang on they will and look for bigger earnings from China.