Google eventually shuts China search engine

Google hoped it would be able to deliver uncensored search results to Chinese users via its servers in Hong Kong, which, although part of China, enjoys a degree of autonomy within the “one country, two systems” framework.

The change was announced and became effective in the middle of the night in Beijing.

In a blog post David Drummond, Google’s chief legal officer, said: “The Chinese Government has been crystal clear throughout our discussions that self-censorship is a non-negotiable legal requirement. We believe this approach of providing uncensored search in simplified Chinese from Google.com.hk is a sensible solution to the challenges we’ve faced.”

“It’s entirely legal and will meaningfully increase access to information for people in China,” Drummond said. “We very much hope that the Chinese government respects our decision, though we are well aware that it could at any time block access to our services.”

The Internet company hopes that it will be able to continue to provide many of its web services, including its Beijing research centre, advertising offices and mobile phone and browser businesses. Google also has a popular music search business and a version of Google Answers. The company has 700 software engineers and sales staff at three locations in China.




Beijing accused the company of violating the terms of the agreement it made when it opened its self-censored Chinese search engine in 2006.

An official in charge of the Internet Bureau of the State Council Information Office said: “This is totally wrong. We’re uncompromisingly opposed to the politicisation of commercial issues, and express our discontent and indignation to Google for its unreasonable accusations and conducts.”

It was unsure whether Chinese censors were taking measures to counter Google's move. Beijing, in fact, has the authority and technology to deny access in China to both Google’s local and Hong Kong search sites.


[Source: Times Online, Financial Times]