14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is banning all the words giving any kind of reference to democracy, freedom and human rights on its new Chinese web portal. All the Chinese users of MSN Spaces are warned not to use these words, through a pop-up message that appears whenever they say something against the communist regime.
We've told you more about this in our previous article, but as journalists and thus promoters of the freedom of speech, we feel compelled to take this subject a little bit further. And that is because this is the only weapon we have to fight this kind of behavior on the part of the giant Internet companies.
Now, let's face the facts as they are, clear and simple. The number of Chinese internet surfers is increasing. This brings the companies huge piles of money. So, why would MSN and the others care about the fact that they are corrupting the very essence of the Internet, which should be a free place, free for everyone to express their opinions?
The Chinese government is known for its policy of censorship, trying to block any attempt of free speech. Every webmaster or blogger in the country must register with the state, otherwise the consequences are severe. Reports already talk about 63 people that are in jail for exactly this reason.
We're not the only ones concerned about this breaching of human rights. The media freedom organization Reporters Without Borders has condemned Microsoft for bowing to Beijing's censors. Julien Pain, the director of the Internet Freedom Desk belonging to the above mentioned organization says Microsoft's self-censorship is unethical and unnecessary.
"If these companies, I am talking about the American Internet giants, would all agree to respect some basic principles, ethical values, they could have an influence on the Chinese policy. They should stick to their values and refuse to collaborate with the Chinese censorship." said Pain.
But will this affect in any way Microsoft's decisions? They had nothing to comment on these accusations, sticking to their policy of respecting the laws of the countries in which we operate"?.
But what about freedom, Mr. Ballmer and Mr. Gates? What about democracy? Do they mean anything to you? Or are your ever-increasing bank accounts everything you're interested in these days?