In addition, Congress today praised Google's decision in a hearing today, saying the decision to stop censorship "was the right decision". But they didn't stop there. Representative Chris Smith, a republican from New Jersey, said that "They [Microsoft] need to get on the right side of human rights rather than enabling tyranny, which they're doing right now." Is Smith right that Microsoft is "enabling tryanny"? Or are they simply following the status quo is a country where censorship has been the norm for many years? In addition, is it smart for the U.S. government to take such a strong stance on the issue? Regardless of whether its right or wrong, is it worth possibly jeopardizing our foreign relations with the biggest country in the world?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Be a follower, Microsoft!
Two days ago, Google ceased censoring its search results in China. Although the possibility of this happening has been around for a while, with China pleading Google to comply with its strict internet policy, it is a monumental event in a country where censorship is a part of daily life. China's strict policy involves censoring search results that aren't favorable to the government. Up till now, no company has disobeyed China's demands, choosing to go along with China even at the loss of human rights.
In addition, Congress today praised Google's decision in a hearing today, saying the decision to stop censorship "was the right decision". But they didn't stop there. Representative Chris Smith, a republican from New Jersey, said that "They [Microsoft] need to get on the right side of human rights rather than enabling tyranny, which they're doing right now." Is Smith right that Microsoft is "enabling tryanny"? Or are they simply following the status quo is a country where censorship has been the norm for many years? In addition, is it smart for the U.S. government to take such a strong stance on the issue? Regardless of whether its right or wrong, is it worth possibly jeopardizing our foreign relations with the biggest country in the world?
In addition, Congress today praised Google's decision in a hearing today, saying the decision to stop censorship "was the right decision". But they didn't stop there. Representative Chris Smith, a republican from New Jersey, said that "They [Microsoft] need to get on the right side of human rights rather than enabling tyranny, which they're doing right now." Is Smith right that Microsoft is "enabling tryanny"? Or are they simply following the status quo is a country where censorship has been the norm for many years? In addition, is it smart for the U.S. government to take such a strong stance on the issue? Regardless of whether its right or wrong, is it worth possibly jeopardizing our foreign relations with the biggest country in the world?
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I think that it is good that the U.S. is voicing its opinion on this issue. I agree with Chris Smith; I believe that they are "enabling tyranny". I do not think that there should be censorship in any nation, as it has a horrible impact on people's ability to think freely and form their own opinions. China obviously does not have to listen to us; we are not forcing them, just making a suggestion.
ReplyDeleteI had heard something about google/china/censoring but I didn't really know what exactly was going on until I read your blog. I suppose that a search engine censoring results is enabling tyranny. It really must be a sticky situation for American corporations like google. I think that they did the right thing by stopping the censoring and I think it would be wise for Microsoft to follow in their footsteps. After their competition "stood up for human rights" it would look bad for Microsoft to comply with China's strict censorship rules. I really don't think that Smith's comment can be seen as a stance by the U.S. government. He is merely one of hundreds of representatives, I'd be surprised if his voice can even reach the Chinese. Lastly, I don't think that google's actions will have any affect on our relations with China. Google is an independent company, if China will have a problem with them alone, not the government.
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