The Chinese version of Google was set up in January 2006, and ensures that Internet surfers in China are blocked from accessing material on human rights, democracy, Tibet, Taiwan independence, religion, the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other topics sensitive to the Chinese government.

Google’s decision reflects the Chinese government’s attempt to tighten the free flow of Internet information and to coerce foreign companies to comply with the state’s censorship. Moreover, the Chinese government also carries a history of monitoring Internet users and imprisoning those who search for information that would undermine the regime. The ultimate goal is to avoid the Chinese citizens’ exposure to discussions on the authorities’ undemocratic corrupt governance.

The self-censored version of Google contradicts the company’s mandate and philosophy to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful” clearly laid down on the company website. This not only undermines the company’s reputation of service, but also constitutes a grave violation of human rights to free expression upheld in the international society.

On basis of the above, UNPO strongly urges Google and other Internet search engine companies to resist censorship demands from the Chinese government. Rather, UNPO encourages Google and other firms conducting business in and with China to play a positive role in opening up Chinese society and seek to advance, rather than further undermine, freedom of expression in China.