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Codebreaker

Google allowing censorship of Blogger content

John Moe Feb 2, 2012

This one has really flown under the radar and even though it happened earlier in January, it’s only coming out now. On January 9, Google posted an item on its blog explaining that if you’re reading a blog on its Blogger platform, you may be redirected to a localized server that will show you the page. So if you’re in Australia, instead of seeing someblog.blogspot.com , you might see someblog.blogspot.com.au .

“Migrating to localized domains will allow us to continue promoting free expression and responsible publishing while providing greater flexibility in complying with valid removal requests pursuant to local law,” read the posting.
That word “complying” is what it’s all about. That means going along with local governments on content.
Twitter’s recent announcement about blocking content has received a lot of attention but Google hasn’t taken anywhere near the hit for doing something similar. Maybe they will.

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