Story: Google bows to Chinese censorship

Posted by: Will Simpson (Thursday 2 February 2006, 7:43 PM)

I am boycotting Google as a result of their work with the Chinese government. Censorship and oppression are Chinese exports we can definitely do without, and although Google's actions do not affect us directly here in the UK, I believe it is important for us all to show the Chinese authorities that their standards in this regard are not acceptable, and show support to Chinese citizens who make a stand often at great cost to themselves.

I am also boycotting Yahoo and Microsoft for their cooperation with the Chinese government. (Although I do still use some Microsoft products, I will not purchase any, or recommend their purchase until they change their policy.)

I sent the following email to Ema Linaker, UK PR Specialist, at Google at ema@google.com (one of the few email addresses I could find on the Google site).

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From: Will Simpson
To: ema@google.com
Subject: Filtering of search results in China
Date: 31 Aug 2005 20:54:32 +0100
Dear Ema Linaker,

I am concerned about what Google is alleged to be doing with search
results for users in China.

I have to confess that I am by no means an expert on the matter, but I
have heard that Google may be acting against the interests of humanity.
Moreover, Google may also be neglecting points six and eight of its own
'ten points' of corporate philosophy.

I would like to see some clear information from Google about what they
are doing in China. I have tried to find this on the Google web site,
but without success.

Are you able to point me in the direction of a press release that states
exactly what filtering is applied to search results for users in China,
and how this differs from, say, search results for US or UK users?

I know Google are not the only company alleged to be implementing
filtering (and many other unpleasant activities) under the influence of
the foreign governments, but I regret that I will be avoiding using
Google until I am convinced they are adhering to the laudable principles
stated in the 'ten points'.

Yours sincerely,

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I did not receive a reply.