the Daily Whale - 15 January 2010

Do No Evil

reporter: Today we’re talking with Google about Chinese cyberattacks. Will Google leave China?
Google: Both sides take the same position—everything is open for negotiation as long as I get my way completely.
reporter: Is the Chinese government behind the attacks?
Google: Draw your own conclusions. Didn’t we make it obvious enough?
reporter: Observers note Google’s small market share and low profits in China.
Google: Even a small share is valuable in the long run in a market that won’t stop burgeoning.
reporter: Then what is your real motivation?
Google: Equality and fairness. Google must operate its total information regime openly, while governments allow themselves to steal information. We must strike a blow for a level playing field!
Green Dam Girl: I win!

clue:

0. If you search for Green Dam Girl in Chinese 绿坝娘 at #1 site image.baidu.cn, you get nothing. It’s censored. Search for the same three characters on image.google.cn, and you get lots of cartoons. Go Google!

1. Google has been growing its Chinese market share against resistance, which is impressive for any foreign company. They really are risking a serious loss over time.

2. I predict the Chinese government will react harshly, after a pause for internal discussion. Google will be forced out, and they expect it—they phrased their challenge to put the onus on the government.

3. This is bad for the Chinese people in the short term, but it increases pressure for change so it may be good for them in the long run.

15 January 2010 - Google China

clue: