Microsoft Shuts Down Chinese Blog (Bans term "Democracy)

[gatorboy]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060106/ap_on_hi_te/china_blog_shutdown

BEIJING - Microsoft Corp. has shut down the Internet journal of a Chinese blogger that discussed politically sensitive issues, including a recent strike at a Beijing newspaper.

The action came amid criticism by free-speech activists of foreign technology companies that help the communist government enforce censorship or silence dissent in order to be allowed into China's market.

Microsoft's Web log-hosting service shut down the blog at the Chinese government's request, said Brooke Richardson, group product manager with Microsoft's MSN online division at company headquarters in Redmond, Wash.

<snip>

Microsoft's Web log service bars use of terms such as "democracy" and "human rights." On the China-based portal of search engine Google, a search for material the Dalai Lama, Taiwan and other sensitive topics returns a message saying "site cannot be found."

[Cassandra]

1. I wonder how long it will be..

before they do that here.

[FreedomAngel82]

2. I remember a while back

hearing talks of them trying to control the internet. It would be too much of an outrage and against the first amendment I think. I think lots of people would have ACLU lawyers going after them if that happened here. It would be too much of a dumb move.

[sattahipdeep]

5. who says they aren't already doing it n/t

[acmejack]

3. Just corporations remaining true to their core values

or lack thereof

[sattahipdeep]

4. Does that surprise u?

If he didn't do it..........china wouldn't
allow his products in.....it's all for the bucks

[gatorboy]

6. Nah, it doesn't surprise me.

But I'm curious as to where all of our Republican leaders are to chastise Microsoft over this. You know, since Bush is in the "Spreadin' Democracy" business, and all...

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

7. In order for Microsoft to enter that market they have to conform to that

region's code of conduct. It is China that commits the wrong, not Microsoft. I know other people disagree with that, and that is ok, but Microsoft has the right to compete in foreign lands, whether we agree with those foreign lands policies or not, in my opinion.

[proud patriot]

8. BOOOOOO HISSSSSSS BOOOOOOO