Google Bes Evil

David Farrar at KiwiBlog has an excellent post on Google's decision to set up a Google China service which will censor out terms unacceptable to the Chinese Government.

Google's motto is "Don't Be Evil" so its fair to say that many, including myself are shocked and appalled by their decision.

Says David

"To put it more bluntly I totally expect Microsoft to censor information in return for market share in China. Google though has built up its brand and profile as supporting freedom of information everywhere and this week is for me the week they have jumped the shark and I go from being a passionate fan to merely a customer."

David also makes the point that Google's disgraceful decision will slow down the pressure for real change in China.

"Google had a chance of being a beacon of free speech and information by refusing to censor on behalf of the Chinese Government. Yes Chinese users would have remained unable to access many of their services but by doing so it would have encouraged more people in China to support a change in their political culture so they could access Google freely."

To the board of Google, I suggest they do a search on the word "Collaborator". Google has made a decision they will never live down.