Google denies report it skirted rules to launch Chinese website

Iria · Feb 21, 2006, 10:34 PM

BEIJING — Google denied a report that its Chinese-language search engine, which has been criticized for blocking searches for politically sensitive material, is operating without a required government license.

The newspaper Beijing News reported that the ICP — or Internet content provider — license listed by Google.cn on its website belongs to a Chinese company, Ganji.com. It said the situation has "attracted the attention" of Chinese regulators.

"Google has a partnership with Ganji.com through which Google has the required license to operate Google.cn," said Google spokeswoman Debbie Frost in a written response to questions about the report.

A spokesman for China's Ministry of Information Industry, which regulates Internet use, said it was aware that Google.cn didn't have its own license. The spokesman, Wang Lijian, wouldn't say whether that was permitted by Chinese rules or give any other information.

Some other foreign Internet companies such as eBay also operate in China using the licenses of their local partners.
_____________
Read More / Source: USA Today

Feb 21, 2006, 10:34 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Google denies report it skirted rules to launch Chinese website BEIJING — Google denied a report that its Chinese-language search engine, which has been criticized for blocking searches for politically sensitive material, is operating without a required government license. The newspaper Beijing News reported that the ICP — or Internet content provider — license listed by Google.cn on its website belongs to a Chinese company, Ganji.com. It said the situation has "attracted the attention" of Chinese regulators. "Google has a partnership with Ganji.com through which Google has the required license to operate Google.cn," said Google spokeswoman Debbie Frost in a written response to questions about the report. A spokesman for China's Ministry of Information Industry, which regulates Internet use, said it was aware that Google.cn didn't have its own license. The spokesman, Wang Lijian, wouldn't say whether that was permitted by Chinese rules or give any other information. Some other foreign Internet companies such as eBay also operate in China using the licenses of their local partners. _____________ Read More / Source: USA Today Last edited by Iria; Feb 21, 2006 at 11:00 PM.