internet - Microsoft takes heat on censorship

As predicted yesterday, the decision of Microsoft to censor its Chinese weblog service and Scobleizer's defense raised much discussion. Here Danwei gives an overview and this is Rebecca MacKinnon's take. Rebecca attacks Scoble's view that 'Chinese' support the censorship, so why should he as an American push the Chinese in another direction. Rezbecca:

In my experience, most Chinese, like all other human beings I've ever met, would very much like to have freedom of speech. This goes for students, professors, workers, farmers, retirees, religious practitioners, and even many government officials. Many said so to me in on-the-record interviews. Many more told me so privately, in trusted confidence over beers (or something stronger) among
friends.

Both overdo it in both directions, according to mine observations. Most of the Chinese do not hold strong position on issues like free speech and free media, unless they are pushed in one or the other direction. Then Rebecca gets closer to Scobleizer's opinion:

What they don't want is to lose their jobs and educational opportunities by pushing too hard at the restrictions their government has placed on their ability to speak. They work within the bounds of the possible, and since people in China can say a lot more now than they were allowed to say 20 years ago, most take the long-term view.

We talk at least about two different issues. As a person, country or corporation you have values that would overrule in some cases even legal restrictions. I mentioned yesterday the death penalty as an example, but I'm sure that Microsoft does not want to cross certain lines. They decided (and Scobleizer agreed) that exercising censorship in Chinese is in line with their corporate values. That is good to know.
How to change a country would be a decision of the citizens of that country, even if they have a hard time with their government. I do no believe you can bomb, virtually of literally, countries into democracy. As a foreigner you have to know your place; you can help people if you think they deserve your support, but preaching your own gospel in another country is not my choice.

Update: Prize for the most subtle headline goes to the Financial Express in India: Microsoft appeases China Net Nazi way.

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