This particular topic first struck me when i saw the map of the subcontinent which Google shows in its Chinese version. I was dumbstruck to see Arunachal Pradesh being chopped off and instead included as an integral part of China. That time the message was not clear to me and i was annoyed with what Google was showing.
Today when some Chinese hackers have tried to get into the mail accounts of some human rights activists, Google has decided to hit back and as a reactionary measure all controversial pictures are beginning to pop up. The message is very clear from these developments. It was Google's and in general many American companies policy to give in to Chinese demands and regulate the content. In return they saw the huge potential of the Chinese market.
It goes without saying that the Americans went against their principles,against everything they stand for. It is no secret that how China fairs on human rights,freedom of speech etc.
It will be quite interesting to see how the battle unfolds from here on. India stands to gain if Google indeed goes ahead and shuts its operation at China but more importantly it is of pivotal importance that Google wins this battle against the Chinese.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
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