The news today has been abuzz with Google's decision to face down the Chinese Government, threatening to pull out of the country unless it no longer has to censor its citizens' search result.
The move was prompted by an attempt, originating from China, to hack the email accounts of Chinese human rights activists. Google hasn't directly accused the Chinese Government of being responsible, but it has told the authorities that it is no longer willing to censor search results - a requirement it has complied with since operating in the country.
The two sides have agreed to talk more in the coming days, but the decision may ultimately mean that Google pulls out of the country.
According to the Guardian, the reaction from China's bloggers, microbloggers and other net citizens has been overwhelmingly positive - although a number have criticised Google's business practices, and accused the company of brinksmanship.
Google's service has only a minority share of the Chinese search market. Its main rival, Baidu, has over 60% - and its Chief Executive has accused Google of being financially motivated and 'hypocritical'.
Whatever the reason for Google's challenge, it is always welcome to see a major company standing up for free speech and against censorship. Few people in the West would want to see any result other than one of Chinese citizens being given unfettered access to the internet.
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