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Microsoft blocks out 'freedom'
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June 14, 2005
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Users of Microsoft's new mainland-based Internet
portal were blocked Monday from using the words "democracy,'' "freedom'' and
"human rights'' in an apparent move by the US software firm to appease Beijing.
Other words that cannot be used on Microsoft's free online blog service, MSN
Spaces, include "Taiwan independence'' and "demonstration.''
Bloggers who enter such words or other politically charged or pornographic
content are prompted with a message that reads: ``This item should not contain
forbidden speech such as profanity. Please enter a different word for this
item.''
New regulations issued in March require that all mainland-based Web sites be
formally registered by the end of this month or be shut down.
Microsoft formed its portal joint venture with state-funded Shanghai Alliance
Investment last month to launch the MSN China Web portal.
Yahoo! and Google have previously also been criticized for cooperating with
Beijing's censorship efforts.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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Copyright 2005, The Standard, Sing Tao Newspaper
Group and Global China Group. All rights reserved. No content may be
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