Google Censors China Search: A Dangerous Game - The Corporate Role Continued
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Of course, one cannot expect China's censorship system to be based entirely on search engines. Other mechanisms work in conjunction with search engine censors, but a key question remains here. How much of a role do search engine censors play, and how much of a role do these other mechanisms play, in the system as a whole? To answer that question, another source must be introduced: the OpenNet Initiative.
The group, which monitors state media censorship, has conducted a study of China's censorship system. In it, the group addresses a charge by the French group Reports Without Borders relating to two local Chinese search engines (in which Google and Yahoo! are invested in):
In July 2004, [Reporters Without Borders] admonished Google and Yahoo! as complicit in China's filtering practices based on the companies' holdings in two domestic Chinese search engines, Baidu.com and Yisou.com.
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We confirmed partially [Reporters Without Borders'] claims that the search engines Baidu and Yisou, with which Google and Yahoo! have investment relationships, filter the Web content they return when users search for certain sensitive keywords. However, this is only part of a set of complex, overlapping filtering practices that include filtering in China's broader Internet infrastructure. Thus, we caution that any claims about filtering must incorporate analysis of the serious technical complexities of China's filtering regime.
According to the report, while it seems as if search engine censorship is an important piece of the system, the other mechanisms must not be forgotten. Indeed, according to many, China's censorship system is quite advanced.
Another thing to consider here is that a small portion of American tax money currently goes toward helping Chinese Internet users get around government censors though a program maintained by the Broadcasting Board of Governors. The organization also broadcasts news to Chinese citizens through Radio Free Asia, which China attempts to jam. The aforementioned U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has also recommended that an executive office be created with the purpose of combating foreign censorship. One might view the dealings of American corporations with the Chinese government as counterproductive to all of this.
Next: Who Gets the Blame >>
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