Google to uncensor search results in China – possibly stop business in China

Much like the rest of the world, I was pretty surprised by Google’s blog post today saying it was reviewing whether it could operate in China at all based on recent events.

Exacerbated by recent cyberattacks originating in China against Google and clearly targeting human rights activists as well as the continuing and scarily deteriorating situation for human rights activists inside the country (including recent arrests, secret trials and severe jail terms) this is an incredible and extremely courageous move. And don’t even get me started on the idea they might possibly also have been the people to scotch an agreement at Copenhagen.

We have decided we are no longer willing to continue censoring our results on Google.cn, and so over the next few weeks we will be discussing with the Chinese government the basis on which we could operate an unfiltered search engine within the law, if at all. We recognize that this may well mean having to shut down Google.cn, and potentially our offices in China.

Gutsy, because my guess is that China is probably roughly 15%-20% of Google’s business, which is a big risk for any company to take. Google is willing to scotch its business entirely rather than compromise its current principles. Even more encouraging because this is a freaking company willing to put profit on the line for what’s right and as part of its larger idea about what’s right.

And incredibly encouraging because I haven’t seen boo from one G20 government about China’s human rights position because everyone is just a little too concerned about the Benjamins with the global turndown. Don’t even get me started about the lackluster position of the Canadian government on this front. it’s a scary day when companies are leading government in moral and thought leadership.

Hopefully, it’s not all sabre-rattling on Google’s part. In any case, this is the best news I’ve heard on human rights in China in ages, so all I can say is Good on ya, Google.