Freedom is one of our basic human rights. With this thought, within a few weeks, Google will pull out of the Chinese market and likely operate nearby until a more progressive regime takes over the country. Some people believe after 2012, a new set of officials will take office and they may be more opened to less repressive ruling. Unlike companies like Microsoft and Yahoo, they're going to make good on their 'do no evil' mantra and not be bullied by a backward thinking government.
Based on reports, Google is leaving because (speculations):
* Chinese hackers who may be associated to the government have infiltrated dissidents gmail accounts
* Rogue local employees have stolen Google proprietary code
* Google has decided it will not support internet censorship
* Google does not like being told how it should operate its business
* Sergio Brin (Russian)
* Freedom of speech
* Freedom to innovate and communicate
More articles regarding this move:
This is just the beginning of the free flow of information on the internet because it may turn into something more than just google vs. china. Will other foreign companies that have encountered various disadvantages and had challenges contending with local companies with connections to the regime follow google's move? I suspect this is just the beginning of an intriguing business revelation. In summary, I'm glad Google isn't backing down and supporting a censorship-free internet. Companies like Microsoft are just greedy and haven't got the balls to stand up for the big picture.
