Google, China, and Ethics

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Lauren Weinstein <lauren () vortex com>
Date: June 10, 2006 3:25:54 PM EDT
To: dave () farber net
Cc: lauren () vortex com
Subject: Google, China, and Ethics



Dave,

Given all of the other news last week, some interesting and
potentially important statements by Google founder Sergey Brin went
largely unnoticed and I believe are worth highlighting here briefly.

While he was in Washington D.C. promoting the Google view on network
neutrality issues (which I support), Sergey made some comments about
the continuing controversy regarding the censored version of Google
for China.  Word is that the vast majority of Chinese users still
(attempt) to use the uncensored version of Google, to the extent that
this is not blocked by Chinese authorities (as of late, this blocking
has apparently become largely ubiquitous).

As we know, Google's censored version has been highly controversial
since it was announced earlier this year, and collected considerable
criticism at various levels, including from me, as in:

Google's Search Query Log Battle vs. China Censoring -- Perceptions  
Matter!
http://lauren.vortex.com/archive/000167.html

Remarks that Sergey made in D.C. suggest that a reevaluation of
Google's participation in the censored version of Google for China
may be in the offing.  Sergey reiterated a stance that we know from
the project's launch:

   "We felt that perhaps we could compromise our principles but
    provide ultimately more information for the Chinese and be a
    more effective service and perhaps make more of a difference."

However, he added the following key statement:

    "Perhaps now the principled approach makes more sense.
     ...
     It's perfectly reasonable to do something different, to say,
     'Look, we're going to stand by the principle against censorship
     and we won't actually operate there.' That's an alternate
     path.  It's not where we chose to go right now, but I can sort
     of see how people came to different conclusions about doing the
     right thing."

While this is obviously not a promise of changes, and in fact we're
told that Google is trying to improve the censored service before
deciding about such a potential change of course, I am very pleased
to see Sergey bringing these controversial aspects of the issue
directly and personally into the public view, something that most
persons at Sergey's level in many other firms would be loathe to
do.  Sergey is to be congratulated for these comments.

These are complex issues, with vast numbers of users and very large
amounts of money at stake.  Google has stockholders who understandably
want the best possible value for their money.

However, Google has positioned itself in a very unique way.  Sergey
noted that Google's rivals accommodated the same Chinese demands
("a set of rules that we weren't comfortable with") without the same
sort of international criticism.  But people simply expect Google to
lead in the ethical corporate arena, and any perceived shortcomings
(whether real or not) will be magnified in the public reaction.

Sergey also noted how limited the safeguards are on the personal
information in electronic systems:

    "I think it's interesting that the expectations of people with
     respect to what happens to their data seems to be different than
     what is actually happening."

I agree, and I again hope that Google will push to lead in this area,
as I suggested in:

An Open Letter to Google: Concepts for a Google Privacy Initiative
http://www.vortex.com/google-privacy-initiative

Putting on my "Jiminy Cricket" hat for a second though, a common thread
that runs through so many of these issues is as old as mankind:
"Let your conscience be your guide."

I assert that in ethical questions -- even when large corporations and
billions of dollars are at stake -- in the long run, following what
your heart tells you is right will rarely lead you astray.  In many
cases, the goodwill engendered will actually result in new economic
benefits, perhaps in ways that weren't originally imagined.

I plead guilty to sounding a bit simplistic when it comes to
ethics.  But while ethical questions may be complex, the answers
often are not, at least if we're being completely honest about
ourselves and our priorities.  This may be the single concept of the
most importance that I've learned in my life -- for what it's worth.

And that's why I was pleased to see a bit of public soul-searching
on these issues by Sergey.  It's potentially a good sign for Google,
and for the rest of us as well.

--Lauren--
Lauren Weinstein
lauren () vortex com or lauren () pfir org
Tel: +1 (818) 225-2800
http://www.pfir.org/lauren
Co-Founder, PFIR
   - People For Internet Responsibility - http://www.pfir.org
Co-Founder, IOIC
   - International Open Internet Coalition - http://www.ioic.net
Moderator, PRIVACY Forum - http://www.vortex.com
Member, ACM Committee on Computers and Public Policy
Lauren's Blog: http://lauren.vortex.com
DayThink: http://daythink.vortex.com





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