Googles Departure from China: Implications and Analysis
Introduction
On the evening of March 22, 2010, Google released a statement announcing its decision to no longer censor search results on its Chinese version, Google.cn. This meant that unless they were granted permission to operate an uncensored version of Google.cn, their activities in China must cease. This decision came as a shocking surprise to many within the international business community, and its implications and ramifications must be considered heavily.
Background
Google Inc. is an American tech giant that was founded in 1998. Its main product and source of income is Google Search, an internet search engine. When Google first entered the Chinese market in 2006, it did so under the belief that it would be possible to provide Chinese users with unfiltered search results, while at the same time accommodating Chinese internet regulations by archiving censored versions of some search results.
The Chinese version of Google has gone through several changes since its launch. In 2007, the Chinese government began restricting access to certain websites that were considered sensitive, such as those that criticized the government or covered controversial issues. Google went along with these restrictions and began censoring the results. This policy was heavily criticized, as it ran against Google’s mission to “organise the worlds information and make it universally accessible and useful”. In January 2010, Google’s agreement with the Chinese government expired and was not renewed.
Analysis
Due to the implications, Google’s decision to leave the Chinese market has been heavily analyzed over the past several years. The main focus of analysis has centered on the decision itself and its effects on the relationship between Google and the Chinese Government.
First, it is important to note that Google’s decision is a victory for those in the international business community who have long criticized the company’s censorship policies in China. By refusing to comply with Chinese regulations, Google has sent a strong signal that it is not willing to compromise its core principles. This move could motivate other companies to consider the moral implications of operating in countries with oppressive governments.
Second, Google’s decision has far reaching implications on its relationship with the Chinese government. The Chinese government has heavily criticized Google’s decision, and it has taken steps to restrict access to Google’s products and services in the country. This could negatively affect Google’s position in the Chinese market, as well as its relationships with Chinese businesses.
Conclusion
Google’s decision to leave the Chinese market is one of the most discussed topics within the international business community, and its implications and ramifications must be considered carefully. It is a victory for those who have long opposed Google’s policy of censorship, and it could motivate other companies to consider the moral implications of operating in countries with oppressive governments. Additionally, it could have an adverse effect on Google’s position in the Chinese market, as well as its relationships with Chinese businesses.
Overall, Google’s decision is a brave one, and although it has risks, its long term impact remains to be seen. It will undoubtedly have a large impact on the relationship between Google and the Chinese Government, as well as on the global business community as a whole.
