Google has stopped its automatic redirection of Chinese searches to Hong Kong, following clashes with Chinese authorities.
'It's clear from conversations we have had with Chinese government officials that they find the redirect unacceptable — and that if we continue redirecting users our Internet Content Provider (ICP) license will not be renewed', the company announced In a blog posting.
After shutting down in China in March, Google has been redirecting all searches on Google.cn to Google.con.hk, which offers uncensored results. Although this kept defenders of free speech in China onside, the Chinese government objected to it.
In the announcement, Google's Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer, David Drummond, says that without the ICP licence it cannot operate Google.cn , meaning the company 'would effectively go dark in China.'
Google said 'a small percentage' of users were now being directed to a landing page on Google.cn which links to Google.com.hk 'where users can conduct web search or continue to use Google.cn services like music and text translate, which we can provide locally without filtering.'
'This approach ensures we stay true to our commitment not to censor our results on Google.cn and gives users access to all of our services from one page', the company announced.
Early reaction saw some bloggers calling this a compromise, where Google was ' at least managing to stay in business in the country and continue providing some uncensored search results to the residents', wrote Gizmodo.
Beijing will not renew the licence if automatic redirection to the Hong Kong site continue - but there is no guarantee that Google's offer will be accepted.
