China's State Council Airs Discontent over Google
Xinhuanet, 3/23/10
Google senior VP and chief legal representative David Drummond announced early this morning that Google China has ceased to filter its search results, and has transferred its search service for Mainland China to Hong Kong.
An official in the Internet bureau of China's State Council Information Office (SCIO) responded by saying that Google had violated written agreements it made when entering the China market, and that to cease filtering its search results, and to insinuate and accuse China of hacker attacks, is a “complete mistake.” The official expressed China’s discontent and indignation with Google’s unreasonable comments and actions, which China views as politicization of a commercial matter.
The official added that relevant organs in the Chinese government met with Google twice, respectively on January 29 and February 25, during which the government responded to questions raised by Google, and emphasized that foreign companies engaged in business in China must adhere to Chinese laws, and that the government would continue to welcome Google’s continued business and development in China were it willing to abide by Chinese law. However, the official said, if Google was bent on withdrawing its Google.cn search service, that was Google’s own prerogative, but Google must handle its departure responsibly and in accordance with international practices and Chinese law.
Keywords: David Drummond withdraw regulation Internet Google State Council Information Office online search