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TMCNet: Kuwait Times Muna Al-Fuzai column: The power of Google

[March 14, 2010]

Kuwait Times Muna Al-Fuzai column: The power of Google

Mar 14, 2010 (Kuwait Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- I can't think of using anything but Google when it comes to searching for information on the internet, even when other search engines exist. Google is a great way to obtain data from anywhere and at any time in the world. Information at fingertips is what Google offers to users, regardless of whether they are businessmen, students or human rights activists. For years , this multi-national giant has been developing its services to match top criteria and international standards. Its accessible all ov er the world, especially in places like China.


Recently, Google had lodged complaint with the US Congress regarding disputes that arose over providing services in China, which possibly stemmed from alleged attempts to access the G-mail accounts of Chinese human rights activists.

It's a hit that didn't prove fatal. I guess that's what led Google to focus on adding more features to their infrastructure and architecture that enhanced Google users' security. Also , they repeatedly advise users to use reputed anti-virus and anti-spyware programs on their computers, to install patches for their operating systems and update their web browsers. This is to avoid possible attacks that may occur at any time.

Google had made a press statement voicing concern about the status of freedom of speech in China. Google China was launched in 2006 on the belief that the benefits of increased access to information for people in China and an open Internet would outweigh their discomfort in agreeing to censor some results. However, attacks on Google's website simply limit free speech on the web! Google has been reviewing the feasibility of its business operations in China. This means that Google may have to shut down Google.cn, and potentially our offices in China.

Unfortunately, there is increasing demand in Asia for information. While people want to see how the world views and thinks about them, their lifestyles etc , some governments believe that censorship of information sites and closing some of them would help control people's attitudes and ignore their need to suppress freedom! So, freedom of speech on the internet is what the issue is all about. I wonder if shutting down a successful business venture by Google will end people's quest for information. We live during a different era. Overpowering people's thoughts is no longer possible thanks to global phenomenon like Google.

muna@kuwaittimes.net To see more of The Kuwait Times or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.kuwaittimes.net/. Copyright (c) 2010, Kuwait Times Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

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