Today, the four major American Internet technology companies--Microsoft, Google, Yahoo and Cisco Systems--face some tough questions about their business dealings in China from U.S. lawmakers, who are
worried the Communist government is using American technology to violate basic human rights. "Cooperation with tyranny should not be embraced for the sake of profits," said New Jersey Representative
Charles Smith, chairman of the House International Relations subcommittee on global human rights. Smith and other lawmakers today will use a congressional hearing to convey their concerns over the
companies' respective business relations with China. China obviously offers these companies tremendous revenue potential; the country's Internet user base is estimated at 100 million users, but this
number is certain to grow significantly in years to come, alongside rampant economic growth. The price for doing business with China is censorship, something that has not sat well with consumers and
outspoken political and human rights groups. The U.S. companies claim they oppose censorship, but take the stance that as private organizations they can do nothing to set international policy and must
obey local laws. They also claim that access to filtered online information is better than no access at all. Other regimes around the world will be watching to see the debate's outcome, which will
likely service as a model elsewhere.
Read the whole story at Associated Press »
