Google’s refusal to comply with user data collection draws attention worldwide

Posted on : 2009-04-15 12:23 KST Modified on : 2009-04-15 12:23 KST
Google disables user functions, while experts express concerns regarding negative impression regarding S. Korea

Major media outlets and technical journals throughout the world have consecutively reported on Google’s practices in South Korea. Most recently, the world’s largest Internet company voluntarily disabled functions related to user uploads and comments on the Korean version of its YouTube video portal causing ripples that go beyond users in South Korea.

On April 13(local time), the New York Times, Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal had all posted articles in their online editions about Google’s practices in South Korea.

In an article, “Google Sticks Up for Privacy, Disables Uploads on YouTube Korea”, New York Times quoted Lucinda Barlow, a spokeswoman for YouTube in Asia as saying, “We have a bias in favor of freedom of expression and are committed to openness.” The New York Times also reported that according to the Hankyoreh, Rachel Whetstone, vice president of Global Communications & Public Affairs at Google said “We concluded in the end that it is impossible to provide benefits to internet users while observing this country’s law because the law does not fall in line with Google’s principles.”

In an article “To Avoid Korean Law, YouTube Disables Some Features,” the Wall Street Journal stated, “The move garnered new attention Monday, after it was reported by a Korean publication, Hankyoreh.” They added through an interview with Scott Rubin, a spokesman for Google, YouTube’s parent company, said, “it devised the compromise because it believes in users’ rights to be anonymous online.” The Washington Post also reported on Google’s Internet user policy in South Korea in the article, “Google Decides Not To Cave To South Korean Government.”

Major technology magazines, such as CNET, ZDNET and PC World, also reported on Google’s decision on the same day.

Some industry experts in South Korea interpret Google’s decision in South Korea as indicating how vulnerable Internet freedom is. Jeon Eung-whi, a standing member of Green Consumers Network in Korea, said, “This affair has given an impression to the world that ‘South Korea is an advanced nation in terms of technology, however, is a backwards nation in terms of freedom.’” He added, “This has resulted in weakening the competitive power of Korean Internet companies.”

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]

 

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