Google Heeds the Call to “Get the Hell Out” of China
March 22, 2010 - By Justin E. Gehrke
On Friday, Geek Shui Living reported that a decision could come as early as Monday, regarding a decision by Google (GOOG) to shut down its China operations. It appears the speculation was true. This afternoon, Google posted a blog on the Google Press page that explained their decision to stop censoring their search services. They explain that this was achieved by redirecting http://Google.cn requests to http://Google.com.hk, which is located on servers in Hong Kong. Redirected users will still see the site in simplified Chinese, just as they had on the site previously hosted in China.
Defending their position, the Google blog states, “We want as many people in the world as possible to have access to our services, including users in mainland China, yet the Chinese government has been crystal clear throughout our discussions that self-censorship is a non-negotiable legal requirement.”
Specifically, Google cites the January 12, 2010 cyber attacks allegedly originating from China, as the initial catalyst that led to today’s decision. They also added that their plan is to maintain ongoing Research and Development (R&D) operations in China, as well as their “sales presence.” Google admitted, though, that the success or failure of this plan requires users located in China to be able to access the newly relocated services in Hong Kong.
Earlier in the day, a Reuters report indicated there was reportedly, at least on a small scale, a public backlash from China and some of its citizens regarding Google’s impending decision. China’s Xinhua News Agency was quoted as saying that any request by Google to change the previously agreed upon mode of operations was “entirely unreasonable.” They went on to state, “What has changed is not China’s investment environment. It is Google itself.” China’s state-run media and websites were also allegedly a forum to voice discontent with Google, by citizens of the country. To this end, it was reported that a nationalist tabloid website based in China contained numerous anti-Google comments including one where a user wrote that Google should “Get the hell out.”
In the official blog post, Google does go out of their way to show their support for company employees in China by stating, “Despite all the uncertainty and difficulties they have faced since we made our announcement in January, they have continued to focus on serving our Chinese users and customers. We are immensely proud of them.” Whether public discontent with Google is state-supported or truly represent the voice of the people is uncertain. What is certain, though, is that Google made a decision for which the ultimate ramifications have yet to become clear.
