Google China censorship - Best Blogs Asia
Review of this week’s news on them potentially quitting China and the impact it will have on the country.
Basically Google stopped censoring content in China (via the Google.com.cn) site and redirected users to the unfiltered Hong Kong site. I actually live in China so I know the impact this will have on my online activities and have something to say on this issue.
Internet Censorship in China
I can’t write too much in detail in this issue as similar sites like mine have commented and have had their sites blocked in China. However, I am able to state that the Chinese government monitors internet use inside the country (via the great “firewall of China”) and the data passes across fibre-optic cables at three points where it goes international.
So what’s going on with Google?
They launched the search engine in China about 4 years ago, agreeing that the company would censor specific content in accordance with the Chinese Government’s wishes. It seems after the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Mr Brin changed his mind and Google began drafting its plan to send Chinese users to its Hong Kong site.
Until recently, Google.com was available to users in China and uncensored searches were redirected to the HK site. I’ve noticed this for a while, where I wondered why China allowed the .com and .cn versions of the site in the country.
Currently, when I access Google.com I see the .com.hk version only, so I believe results are being filtered over here.
Impact of Google leaving China
Surprisingly, the impact make not affect Chinese people as much as you think. The internet is widely used for downloading, Instant Messaging (via applications like QQ) and other social activities. The most popular search engine is Baidu, whilst Bing and Yahoo China versions are still available. For me, I work in the field of Web Development, so the impact will affect me more than the local user. I wouldn’t be able to find relevant backlinks or tools like Analytics to check my sites. The Google Webmaster section is already blocked, it’s a useful utility to use but I’ve been able to survive without it. For a couple of years my default SE of choice is Yahoo, not sure why but is just a useful site.
Other points to note that:
- China Unicom Ltd., the country’s No. 2 mobile-phone operator, said it wouldn’t install Google’s search functions into new handsets given its decision to stop censoring.
- Go Daddy Group, a provider of Internet addresses, told members of Congress it would cut back its business in China, following new Chinese requirements for information about registrants.
Who Benefits from Google Leaving
I guess there are always winners and losers when it comes to something like this. I read that the portal Tom.com, owned by the Hong Kong tycoon Li Kai Shing, has quit offering Google.cn on its pages and replaced it with Baidu.com. Baidu’s following and it’s stock price should increase. Less popular site’s like QQ’s Soso should get more visitors as well as Alibaba’s Taobao.
Conclusion
So what’s the conclusion? Well life goes on as normal over here. The Big G knew the terms and conditions whilst opening offices here, they (or you) may not agree with these Government policies, but over here isn’t a Western culture and comparisons can’t be made. There might be a huge opening now for a Western Search Engine to develop in China (although would need to follow Government rules), perhaps I should go ahead and launch mine!
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