[governance] Amnesty: Internet companies assist censorship

[Nick Moraitis]

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE

AI Index:	ASA 17/002/2006    (Public)
News Service No:	 022
25 January 2006

China: Internet companies assist censorship

(London/ Davos): Google's launch of a self-censoring Chinese search engine
is the latest in a string of examples of global Internet companies caving in
to pressure from the Chinese government. The service curtails the rights of
Chinese Internet users to the freedom of expression and freedom of
information enjoyed in other countries.

Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Amnesty International's
Secretary General Irene Khan said:
"While acknowledging that Google has taken a number of steps to ensure
access of Chinese users to the Internet, Amnesty International is
nonetheless dismayed at the growing global trend in the IT industry.”

"Whether succumbing to demands from Chinese officials or anticipating
government concerns, companies that impose restrictions that infringe on
human rights are being extremely short-sighted. The agreements the industry
enters into with the Chinese government, whether tacit or written, go
against the IT industry’s claim that it promotes the right to freedom of
information of all people, at all times, everywhere.”

Last year, Microsoft launched a portal in China that blocks use of words
such as 'freedom' in blog text. The company recently closed down the blog of
Zhao Jing, who used the blog name Michael An Ti, after he supported a strike
against the politically-motivated sacking of an editor at the Beijing News.

Yahoo has admitted revealing email account details of the journalist Shi Tao
to the Chinese authorities, who was peacefully exercising his right to
impart information, a move that contributed to his prosecution and
sentencing to 10 years in prison.

"Agreements between global corporations and the Chinese authorities has
entrenched Internet censorship as the norm in China," said Irene Khan.
"Internet companies justify their actions on the basis of Chinese
regulations. In fact, such agreements and the resulting self-censorship,
violate both international standards and China's own constitution, which
protects freedom of expression."

International law guarantees the right to freedom of information and the
free flow of ideas across borders. While some restrictions on these have
been developed over the years, the manner in which IT companies are freely
submitting to opaque Chinese policies, is unacceptable.

"The Internet heralded unfettered access to information in a borderless
world. Instead, companies are helping governments build borders to prevent
their citizens from accessing information," said Irene Khan.


****************************************
For more information please call Amnesty International's press office in
London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566

http://www.amnesty.org

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