[ad_1]
Google has developed a prototype search engine censored for China under the code name "Dragonfly"that links users' search history to their personal phone numbers," reported the media.
This means that if security agencies were to obtain Google's search records, individuals could easily be tracked and users seeking information prohibited by the government could be threatened with questioning or detention, L & # 39; interception reported Saturday.
Google logo. Image: Reuters
The search engine giant would be developing the "Dragonfly" browser specifically for China, which would remove content deemed sensitive by the Communist Party regime, including information about political dissidents, freedom of expression , democracy, human rights and peaceful protests.
According to sources close to the project, "Dragonfly" would be operated as part of a "joint venture" partnership with a company based in Mainland China and people working for this company would be able to update the blacklists of the terms research, the report added.
However, citing the company's lack of transparency on the project, seven Google employees, including former Google senior scientist, Jack Poulson, have resigned so far.
"I consider our intention to capitulate to requests for censorship and surveillance in exchange for access to the Chinese market as a confiscation of our values and the government's negotiating stance around the world," said Mr. Poulson in his resignation letter.
Nearly 1,000 employees also signed an open letter asking the company to be transparent about the project and to create an ethical review process involving core employees and not just senior executives .
Last week, 16 US lawmakers spoke to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, expressing "serious concerns" about "Dragonfly" demanding information about the company's Chinese projects.
"Dragonfly" was also criticized by a former chief of the Asia-Pacific tech giant, who called it "stupid shot".
Google launched a search engine in China in 2006 but removed the service from the country in 2010, citing the Chinese government's efforts to limit freedom of expression and block websites.
The company has so far refused to respond publicly to concerns about this project.
[ad_2]
Source link
