China: Google planning to launch censored search engine

Google’s latest venture to launch a censored version of its search engine in China is a blow to freedom of information and freedom of expression, PEN International said today. According to recent reports, the tech giant is developing an app for release in China within the next year which will comply with government decrees on what constitutes 'undesirable' content. Terms such as 'free speech' 'human rights' 'political opponents' and 'peaceful protest' will be among the those that will be blocked.

PEN International’s president Jennifer Clement said: ‘We are deeply concerned to hear that Google is reportedly developing a censored search engine for use in China. Without freedom of information there can be no real freedom of expression. We strongly urge Google to place ethics before interests and not be complicit with one of the world’s most digitally restrictive governments.’

China has been increasing its control on free expression and access to information over the last decade with its Great Firewall, which blocks access to selected websites, shuts off search terms and shuts down pages without needing to provide an explanation. Most recently, China’s government deleted and censored tributes to Nobel laureate, rights activist and PEN member, Liu Xiaobo, who died weeks after being released on medical parole. Liu Xiaobo spent the last eight years of his life in Jinzhou prison in northeast China, with little or no access to friends, family or colleagues.

‘Google is kowtowing to the Chinese government and betraying its founding 'Don't be evil' principle. What is the function of a search engine if a government decides what information it shows users? The world will remember: Google left China in 2010 citing censorship, Google returns to China promoting censorship.’ - Tienchi Martin-Liao, President of Independent Chinese PEN Centre (ICPC).

PEN International urges Google to put human rights before profits and respect users’ rights to freedom of information.

Note to editors:

PEN International promotes literature and freedom of expression and is governed by the PEN Charter and the principles it embodies: unhampered transmission of thought within each nation and between all nations. Founded in London in 1921, PEN International – PEN’s Secretariat – connects an international community of writers. It is a forum where writers meet freely to discuss their work; it is also a voice speaking out for writers silenced in their own countries. Through Centres in over 100 countries, PEN operates on five continents. PEN International is a non-political organisation which holds Special Consultative Status at the UN and Associate Status at UNESCO. PEN International is a registered charity in England and Wales with registration number 1117088

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