also @ TechSpot: Huawei Ascend P6 smartphone is the thinnest in the world at 6.18mm

China responds to Google's move to stop censorship

By

On January 14, 2010, 12:58 PM

In a response to Google's motion to end Web censorship, China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said the country welcomes global Internet companies -- as long as they obey Chinese law. "The Chinese government administers the Internet according to law and we have explicit stipulations over what content can be spread on the Internet," said Yu.

In what reeks of doublethink, Yu continued, "China's Internet is open, and the Chinese government encourages development of the Internet," and that "Chinese law proscribes any form of hacking activity." I'm not sure how one can outwardly acknowledge the presence of forced Web censorship, and then claim that the Internet is open.

It is still unclear whether Google will close its Chinese operation, but things don't bode well for the search giant. Commenting on the situation, Duncan Clark, chairman of BDA China, said "Google.cn is toast… Just keep pressing refresh on your browser and see what happens."

No tags on this story

User Comments: 31

Got something to say? Post a comment
  1. Google wants to pull out of China to cut costs the same as it is pulling out/reducing its presence in other markets.

    Given that they are pulling out of China - it is PR spin to say that it is because of China's internet censorship.

    Google sold their soul to the Devil for profit when they entered the China market and facilitated censorship of the internet but they thought it was worth the cost it would incur in bad PR etc...

    Now that Google are pulling out of China for financial reasons they are trying to spin it.

  2. I see Google is criticized quite a lot for working with governments. Let's not forget that Google is a company, a legal entity, and as any other legal entities it has to obey the law (of the countries where it's doing operations).

    Take you for example, if you are someplace when no one knows you (like a hacker is on the net), you might get away with breaking the law, but if you break the law and the authorities know where to find you (like is the case for Google), then I bet you will obey the laws, too.

    In other words, if anyone of you is so upset with Google working with the Chinese government, try to put yourself in their shoes: go to Beijing and start making waves about the Chinese government. Let's see how you will avoid the legal system.

    Why would you even think of breaking the legal system? In my opinion, this would be the wrong approach.

    But do you really think a company like Google would move into new territory without carefully studying the legal aspects in the country of interest BEFORE moving in?

    As I've said in my post, many people have made good money preparing Google's entry (and not only Google's, countless other companies too) into China.

    Wanna say no-one knew about the chinese regimes methods to use (and bend) the law in their favor whenever needed? I don't think so.....

    It's just Google in the spotlight at this moment, but it goes for many companies: burnt because of your own greed. So, don't expect us to pity you (Google) or anyone else.

  3. All they do is steal US technology anyway. Chinese progress and technology? LOL! Only if they can copy it from US first. Over 1 billion ****** served.

  4. US companies steal from one another and sue each other through patent lawsuits. What's your point? Most of the big companies AROUND the world do that not just China.

    Calling "1 billion ****** served" is a stupid comment; they are people that are oppressed by their own government, it doesn't surprise me with the attitudes similar to the above poster are common in today's society.

  5. Whenever you point a finger at someone, keep in mind that three fingers are pointed at you.

  6. All they do is steal US technology anyway. Chinese progress and technology? LOL! Only if they can copy it from US first. Over 1 billion ****** served.

    I guess people have forgotten that how much of advancement allies made once they gained total control of Germany after WWII. Ever wondered how countries suddenly started making many things which they never have had made before ?

    So, the fact is big science / technology always follow money; there is nothing more to that.

Recently commented stories

Add New Comment

TechSpot Members
Login or sign up for free,
it takes about 30 seconds.
You may also...
Get complete access to the TechSpot community. Join thousands of technology enthusiasts that contribute and share knowledge in our forum. Get a private inbox, upload your own photo gallery and more.
TechSpot on:

Subscribe to TechSpot

Get free exclusive content, learn about new features and breaking tech news.