(I’m listening to “I Wanna Be Adored” by The Stone Roses)
What do you do when support for free expression could affect your company’s bottom line? Computer manufacturers who want to sell their products in China are facing both a business and an ethical dilemma because the Chinese government has required all computers shipped into their country to be equipped with the Internet filtering software known as Green Dam-Youth Escort beginning July 1.
The State Department’s spokesman, Ian Kelley, said June 22 that the Chinese government’s stated reason – shielding its youth from pornography – is “applaudable,” but Green Dam comes with “broader filtering implications” and could have an impact on the free flow of information to the Chinese people.
“We believe there are other commercially available software programs which provide users with a wide range of choices for shielding minors from illicit or inappropriate internet contact,” Kelley said, adding “We’re talking about free expression.”
U.S. officials in Beijing have lodged a complaint over the software requirement with the Chinese government and have said Green Dam violates the World Trade Organization’s free trade rules. But, assuming no agreement is reached by July 1, which computer manufacturers will decide to comply and earn the enmity of free expression advocates? And which will refuse to comply and risk losing their share of the Chinese market to others?
Any business savvy people out there? I’d be very interested in your analysis or opinion.
After practicing law for a number of years, Michael Jay Friedman returned to school and earned a doctorate in U.S. political and diplomatic history. 
Michelle Austein Brooks is a U.S. government and politics writer who has covered three national elections for America.gov. 
Peggy B. Hu defied Asian-American stereotypes in college by studying comparative literature and international relations rather than math and science. 
Stephen Kaufman is an experienced writer who has covered the White House and the State Department, and continues to report on international and democracy issues, including press freedom. 
Tanya Brothen is a blogging enthusiast who began writing for the web on a whim. Now it’s her job.
Comments (5)
Stephen Kaufman
America.gov Staff
June 30, 2009 at 16:22 EDT
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One update:
According to several news outlets, China has just decided to delay the July 1 deadline.
State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said today that U.S. embassy staff in Beijing are trying to confirm this report, as well as “have a dialogue about these issues.”
Stay tuned …
D.M JAKIUDDIN MAHMUD
Location: PANCHBIBI,JOYPURHAT,BANGLADESH
June 30, 2009 at 16:56 EDT
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A GOOD JOURNEY TO CONNECT AMERICAN PEOPLE AND GOVORMENT . NEXT I PERTICIPET THIS SESSON.
Arnold Onono
Location: Nairobi,Kenya
July 6, 2009 at 06:55 EDT
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Democracy is a tool used by the majority to hoodwink the minority, into thinkin that their rights are being preserved. Yet those in power just fuel their own self surviving interests
Stephen Kaufman
America.gov Staff
July 6, 2009 at 10:40 EDT
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Hi Arnold,
Thanks for your comment. What do you see as the solution though?
We know that democracy is more than just elections. It is also involves civic activism and average people being able to speak their minds and peacefully effecting change through their own efforts or with their peers.
What are the issues that concern you the most in Kenya and what kinds of changes would you like to see?
d.m jakiuddin mahmud
Location: panchbibi,joypurhat,bangladesh
July 6, 2009 at 13:16 EDT
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I feel pain in my eyes. I feel thirsty in my own. I feel hungry. I feel so tired.please help me.