PJ_ PJ_

Google betrays own philosophy

▼

Google betrays own philosophy

helps China to "do evil"

http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1694152,00.html
from JoeUser Forums
"In order to operate from China, we have removed some content from the search results available on google.cn, in response to local law, regulation or policy. While removing search results is inconsistent with Google's mission, providing no information (or a heavily degraded user experience that amounts to no information) is more inconsistent with our mission."


What happened to "do no evil"? I'm very dissapointed in Google over this.
google
28,238 views 36 replies
Reply #26 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Google betrays own philosohy? That's surely not the case....Google's philosophy is to achieve global internet domination and to make as much money as it possibly can, regardless of the source. Seems they're right on track to me....entering China on China's terms for now, but they'll find ways to slip under the Chinese radar, you can bet on it.
Reply #27 from WinCustomize Forums Top
People say every company is trying to take over the world. Microsoft was trying to take over, Yahoo, IBM. Wikipedia is trying to take over information. Dell is trying to take over the computer market. Ford and GM are trying to buy all the car companies and take over. Same with record labels, and food companies and prescription drugs and just about everything else.

It's just business. It's not pretty, but they have to do what they have to do.

I have a feeling Google won't try very hard to censor itself. Some 'illegal' information will slip through, and nobody will care.
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #28 from JoeUser Forums Top
Here's another interesting take on the subject:

Link
Reply #29 from WinCustomize Forums Top
"It is also significant because the Google page will let people know if their search results are being restricted, something that doesn't happen if the filtering is done by the government."

I think when people see how much censorship is going on, they won't take it lightly. I'm not saying Google will cause a revolution, but it will create some awareness.
Reply #30 from WinCustomize Forums Top
When I did use Google search, which was some time ago now, I frequently encountered the problem of search results being loaded with too much totally unreated crap that was of no interest or relevance to me.
In a sense, that is censorship in reverse....showing me crap I don't wanna see, rather than crap they say I can't. So if, say, I do a specific search on cameras, and the return displays such items as TV's Hi fi's and electric shavers, who is paying for or taking backhanders to include non-requested information.
For example: I was interested in an Australian identity known as Dick Smith, who opened a chain of electrical stores, went into foodstuffs production and became the chairman for a civil aviation authority, etc, etc. All I typed into the search box was his name, yet the search results came back, not only with links related to Dick Smith, but also with numerous results linking directly to porn sites. NOT GOOD

Fox in the henhouse alright!
Reply #31 from WinCustomize Forums Top
What is a good search then?

They're all vunerable to manupulation from people who can click on their link all day, or by the highest bidder. There is no good solution anymore.

I happen to like Google, just as I like Microsoft. Sure, they're not always the 'nice guys,' but their business tactics are genius. It's impossible to run a business successfully, and always be nice to everyone. But that's no reason to be against business, just as bad politics is no reason to be against government.
Reply #32 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's impossible to run a business successfully, and always be nice to everyone. But that's no reason to be against business, just as bad politics is no reason to be against government.


So are you suggesting that I like, respect and or admire someone or something I don't like or trust for being slimy, under-handed and downright dishonest by constantly sneaking under the radar? And bad politics is every reason to be against government....particularly when those bad politics adversely affect you and your family/loved ones.
Sorry, Adamness, but there's no point considering even trying to influence this set in his ways, stubborn old fart. I cannot be converted or be persuaded to think alternatively. When you've had as many direct dealings with as many slimy, contemptible politicians and business persons as I have, you'll understand why.
Reply #33 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I see your point, but the corporate world and government are necessary evils. There would be no world with out governemnt or business. The best thing to do is for me to get elected, possibly to President of the world.
Reply #34 from WinCustomize Forums Top
So are you suggesting that I like, respect and or admire someone or something I don't like or trust for being slimy, under-handed and downright dishonest by constantly sneaking under the radar?


No, that is where your disgression comes into play. You dont like what they are doing? Dont do business with them. Much like many did back in the 70s with companies doing business with South Africa.

You have a choice. Companies are bound by their charters.
Reply #35 from WinCustomize Forums Top

No, that is where your disgression comes into play. You dont like what they are doing? Dont do business with them.


Exactly what I've done with Google....I simply refuse to do business with them, refuse to install their products services on my machine....though something of theirs was covertly installed with another download. There was NO mention in the EULA of Google toolbar being included, so obviously, I did not expect to get one...yet after a recent search/clean up, there was this Google folder in my program files....and what a mongrel of a thing to get rid of/delete/remove from my system, even in safe mode it wanted to remain.
Eventually got rid of it with Unwanted Files Remover and a registry cleaner, but I should not have been put to the trouble in the first place....had they been up front and honest to begin with, stating that The Google toolbar was packaged with the software, it would never have found its way on to my system.
Reply #36 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Google is a busines and has to deal with laws of the land it operates just like you or I do, but look at the option of not having Google there at all might seem worst (at least to Google).

Also keep in mind that you can't change something if your not a part of the system.


I'll admit if Google was my company, I would have not gone there even though China is projected to be the biggest industrial nation by 2020 (or sooner... I forget the details). But that is me.