Google stops censoring Chinese-language searches

Google (GOOG.NASDAQ) has stopped censoring internet search results in the mainland, redirecting users of its Chinese-language site to an uncensored site in Hong Kong, AFP reported. Users will still be able to conduct searches in simplified Chinese, a service David Drummond, Google’s chief legal officer, said is “specifically designed for users in mainland China.” The move comes two months after the US internet company threatened to close its China operations, saying it was no longer willing to comply with Beijing’s censorship requirements and complaining of hacking attempts from within China. However, the company plans to keep sales and research and development teams in the country. The official in charge of the State Council Information Office’s internet bureau said Google was “totally wrong” to stop censorship, accusing the company of violating promises made when entering China and of politicizing commercial issues. Rights groups, meanwhile, hailed Google for taking a stand against censorship.