Google Takes a Stand

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been very impressed with the Google’s recent decision to pull out of China. After a four year experiment operating a Chinese-language search engine from Bejing under censorship rule, Google has decided to pull out of mainland China and operate on an uncensored site in Hong Kong. Uncovering evidence of Gmail accounts of human rights activist being assessed by third parties, unwarranted surveillance and blocking of search engine material, and persistent blocking of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google Docs and Blogger, Google decided it had enough. In doing this, Google took a bold stand on human rights, and reinforced its mission statement “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful,” as well as reinforce its core values (e.g., Do the right, don’t be evil,” “We aspire to improve and change the world.”). David Drummond, Chief Legal Officer, said “We want as many people in the world as possible to have access to our services, including users in mainland China, yet the Chinese government has been crystal clear throughout our discussions that self-censorship is a non-negotiable legal requirement.”

It’s refreshing to see a company “walk the talk” and live by its core values. Some investors have questioned this decision because they think that Google may be missing out an opportunity to grow its brand and create greater shareholder value. Others have said that Google is more concerned about intellectual property than human rights. Sergey Brin told the New York Times, “Our objection is to those forces of totalitarianism.” However, for the most part, public opinion has been very positive. It was touching to see the flowers, and kind notes of appreciation that were left at the doorstep of Google’s Bejing headquarters by the Chinese people, when Google announced that it was leaving. In fact, IT professionals in China have reportedly said that they support Google’s decision to leave, but are saddened at loosing the experience, partnership, and profound influence that Google has had on its society and search engine community in China.

It will be interesting to see what happens in Hong Kong and what accessibility people will have to information in China. Already, there have been some unexplainable interruptions in Google’s service out of Hong Kong, and they’ve seen additional blocks to some of its services. However, I certainly don’t think China has seen the last of Google. Certainly, you can’t downplay their short history of innovation and success. Larry Paige was quoted as saying, "Have a healthy disrespect for the impossible." In the end, Google may figure out a way to make this work. For now, the Chinese people are the real losers in this battle. Having adopted our daughter from China, I certainly root for the day when China’s “Great Wall” comes down and the people of China can live in a freer more open society. It will be great day for all of us. Kudos to Google for taking such a bold step!