Google May Quit China

[The Brain]

Don't Be Evil is almost as good as Army Strong.

[Barrister]

Now, I am not saying that Google is evil or doing anything criminal. But I don't think you can't pass moral judgment on companies. My employer is currently sued for allegedly supporting the South African apartheid regime for example. That clearly has a moral dimension as it was most likely not illegal under South African law of the time.

Well don't get me started on what I think about a lawsuit like that.

But fine, I suppose you can occasionally pass moral judgment on some companies.  In particular companies that either flout the law or run very close to it, companies that base their business strategy around preying on the most weak and vulnerable (payday loans stores, I'm looking at you).  But it's the exception, not the rule.

[Faeelin]

The State Department Responds:

We have been briefed by Google on these allegations, which raise very serious concerns and questions. We look to the Chinese government for an explanation. The ability to operate with confidence in cyberspace is critical in a modern society and economy. I will be giving an address next week on the centrality of internet freedom in the 21st century, and we will have further comment on this matter as the facts become clear.

http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2010/01/135105.htm

[Neil]

But I don't think you can't pass moral judgment on companies.

Well, none of you can.  That is my job.

[jimmy olsen]

Baidu is already the dominant search engine there anyway

Yeah. I figured Google doesn't really stand to lose all that much when there's a native brand name already dominating the market.

I've seen quotes of their market share that range from 29-35% in a market as large as China, that's big enough to be worth something.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB30001424052748704675104575000772033650164.html