14 DAY TRIAL // Google Earth is the downloadable application powered by Google that allows users to view maps and other satellite imagery straight from their desktop. Recently, the program was involved in an interesting case reported in Sudan, a country that is currently banned from using Google Earth. As you might know, several publications reported that Google's application was displaying shocking Darfur images that provided important evidence about the country's crisis.
Because Google Earth displayed high resolution pictures with the area, the product was banned in the country but the Internet users are still unsure who blocked their access. Every resident of the country who tries to download and install Google Earth from the search giant's webpage receives the following error message: "This product is not available in your country. Thanks for your interest, but the product that you're trying to download is not available in your country."
According to the SudanTribune, Sudan isn't the one that blocks the access. It seems like the United States decided to ban the application in accordance with US export controls and economic sanctions regulations.
"The speculation was that perhaps, just as in Bahrain last year, local authorities were blocking access to Google Earth. A query to Google has now solved the mystery. Sudan isn't censoring anything. It is the United States that is restricting access to Google Earth in Sudan. So says Google spokesperson Megan Quinn in an email: "In accordance with US export controls and economic sanctions regulations, we are unable to permit the download of Google Earth in Sudan," the same source reported.
Although there are a lot of other websites and numerous alternative ways to download Google Earth, the decision restricts users' access to information; however, Google can't be blamed for censorship. This is the first time when a Google product is blocked in an entire country even if the decision doesn't belong to the search giant.