What Will Come of Google and China?

Note: This video was shot in mid-March and therefore contains information regarding only the events that occurred prior to the recording. A valuable perspective on the Google/China situation is included, which is still relevant. Also included is some more background information on Googles relationship with China.

Google and China have been topping headlines of late after the search company announced that it would stop censoring its search services on Google.cn earlier this year. This action was taken after Google said it had fallen victim to a cyber attack originating in China.

As a result, everyone is now speculating about Google and Chinas next move. WebProNews recently had the opportunity to talk with Kaiser Kuo of Youku.com, who is also very familiar with the situation, to get a better understanding of the potential outcome.

The first and most likely scenario Kuo suggests is that Chinas response to Googles action will be very low-key and perhaps, even nothing. There is however a worst-case scenario that is a possibility. According to Kuo, it appears to the Chinese that Google is implementing policy on behalf of the U.S. government.

He says Hillary Clintons speech of support for Google, made just 9 days after Googles announcement, seemed like more than a coincidence to the Chinese. If this type of action continues, Kuo believes Chinas response will not be as quiet.

The third and best-case scenario would be if China does not block Google.cn once Google stops censoring its results. He says this could happen because the Chinese do pay close attention to public opinion online and most people have been very vocal about this situation.

Although Kuo understands the commitment Americans have toward freedom of information, he points out that this situation should be handled carefully. If it is not, he is afraid that the cause could shift in the other direction, which could prevent it from advancing.

At this point, Google is redirecting Google.cn visitors to Google.com.hk (which the company doesnt censor), but the Chinese government has responded by blocking users access to certain search results. In addition, the U.S. government has expressed its remorse that the two were not able to resolve the issues.

As the situation continues to unfold, what do you think will be the ultimate outcome?

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