When Google announced on January 12 that it would stop censoring Chinese search results, the business and political worlds were shocked. But in past three weeks Google has proceeded ahead very cautiously.
Although there were speculations that Google had lifted filters on certain search results, the company maintains it has made zero changes to its Chinese search engine and that it remains in discussion with China. Otherwise, Google has mostly been silent about the entire affair.
This approach of Google reflects high risks involved in its confrontation with China as China is world’s No. 3 economy and largest Internet market by users.
Many market analysts believe the Chinese government could easily shut down an uncensored search engine. But experts on Chinese law warn that Google employees in China could also face action for violation of the law and Google staff could be at risk of everything from arrest to harassment.
Google is also relaxed because U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the U.S. Senate have voiced strong support for freedom of expression on the Internet.
An abrupt move by Google to lift search censorship in China could damage Google’s other business interests in the country. These interests include its Android cell phone products, advertising and its research and development operations.
Websites in China are prohibited from publishing content that jeopardizes the security of the nation, divulges state secrets and disturbs the social order.
