[Irl-dean] Google and China and accessibility (Was: Gmail basic mode switch )

[Eoin Campbell]

I would like to pose a question related to Google and China,
re-framed to consider accessibility.
My understanding is that Google have chosen to operate in China
in compliance with Chinese laws on censorship.

Yahoo previously provided information which led to the conviction of
a Chinese citizen, but I don't know if they did it only under their legal
obligation (search warrant, discovery order, etc.), or simply on request
of the Chinese government.

My question is: should companies comply with the laws of the country
in which they choose to operate; or should they choose to operate only
in those countries where they like the laws?

This is relevant to accessibility, because many countries now have laws
requiring that goods and services be made available in a way that is 
accesssible
to people with disabilities.

In my opinion, suggesting that Google not operate in China because of the
repugnant laws there is the same as suggesting that Apple should not operate
in Portugal because its products are not accessible, and Portuguese laws
state that they should be (for example).

Similarly, many large American companies operate in Europe, where many
countries have laws, particularly repugnant to American companies, that
companies above a certain size must operate joint management-labour
Works Councils.

Should a US company refuse to sell in Europe because they don't like
the laws, or should it operate in Europe but flout European laws?
To me the answer is clearly no to both.

Google has a highly accessible search engine that delivers very good
results, and is a huge benefit to all people searching for information.
It seems silly to propose that all Chinese, and particularly Chinese people
with disabilities, not be allowed avail of this service, because we don't
like Chinese laws.

Surely the problem is the law, not Googles decision to comply with it,
or Googles decision to enter the Chinese market?









Paul Walsh - Segala wrote:
> Barry McMullin wrote:


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Eoin Campbell, Technical Director, XML Workshop Ltd.
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