google error

Google has recently stated that it is investigating a new approach to its dealing with China.

Security breaches aimed at the search giant also struck out at several other entities, targeting what seems to be the accounts of human rights activists.

I wonder if someone as unknown as myself could be among the unnumbered individuals targeted. I am doubtful, but I would be honored.

exemplary

This comes after Google first gained access to the mainland, back in 2006. But to do so, Goggle submitted to the stipulation of filtered searches within China and so compromised its motto of "Don't be evil."

In condoning the blatant censorship of the People's Republic of China, Google continues to say that censorship is not only permissible, but exemplary.

I applaud Google and furthermore challenge Google to take this new approach very seriously. While compromise must be made between any two parties, a compromise of values is simply to condone the lesser.

powerless

Powers that be have the responsibility to use power for good. Who enjoys its power at the expense of those without, renders that power useless.

When will Google use its power to make a stand for what it believes in, to make a stand for those who cannot?

The magnitude of its actions is not a simple matter of beliefs, for it has the potential to undo the brainwashing of years and to better ensure the guarantee of human rights through transparency.

forbidden fruit

Google.cn may not be a household word here in China, but for those who are familiar with the internet, it is a recognizable giant in the world of search. Especially for those interested in foreign affairs, western culture, etc. It also serves a minority of people in China, foreign and local, who search using English as the input text.

It's not difficult to search for blocked content on the Chinese internet.

Below, I simply typed in the name of the People's Square, the Gate of Heavenly Peace. It is a site of great tourist interest, located adjacent and south of the Forbidden City:

Digging deeper: an image search for "tiananmen+square+massacre+in+1989" yields the following:

However, trying to open the link attached to the photo in the bottom left yields a misleading apology from Google:

很抱歉，在 www.google.cn 上没找到您要访问的网页
[We're very sorry, the webpage you are looking for could not be found by www.google.cn]

disclosure

Look closely. Bravo, Google!

With every search that it cannot will not complete, Google admits error:

public confession

To be fair, the same search on www.google.com (without the use of a VPN), however actually showed this today - a first!

forbidden fruit: graphic thumbnails

Usually such thumbnails are ghosted as the five blanks above. Interestingly, I was even able to open links to each page, including raw criticism and denunciation of the 1989 Massacre.

So, what's the scoop, Google? China?

How much longer will sighted eyes be blinded, how much longer will mouths with voices be silenced?

Note: Access to Blogger is still blocked within China. Without access to a much appreciated VPN (proxy), I would be unable to publish to my blog from within mainland China. Thus, I am blessed and grateful to be sharing. With every post, I hereby protest the oppressive nature of the Chinese government blocking access to any part of the web.