Google China Reacts to Possible Closure
Sina Tech, 1/13/10
Regarding Google's announcement that it is considering closing its China operations, a source within Google China said that the company is currently holding a companywide staff meeting. Employees are reportedly prohibited from accessing any source code, and may take leave with pay. The director of Google China's public relations said that no notice has been received from Google's global headquarters, and Google China cannot comment until the situation has been clarified.
Editor's Note: According to one industry source, John Liu, head of Google China, reportedly learned of Google's decision yesterday, but other high-level executives were not informed. A customer service representative for Google China said that keyword advertising in China continues to operate normally. Another source within Google China said that all business operations are currently suspended, and the entire workforce is currently attending a videoconference, following which an official resolution may be made tonight.
Background: In a statement posted to the official Google blog this morning, Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer David Drummond announced that, due to several security breaches originating in China as well as China's self-censorship regulations, Google is re-evaluating its China strategy and may even close Google.cn and its offices in China.
Keywords: online search Internet Google John Liu HR withdraw
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