Search providers agree on policies regarding China, others

With politicians increasingly questioning US Internet companies' acquiescence to countries with restrictive Internet policies such as China, a 'code of conduct' is now being developed.

The agreement was struck between the big three search providers, as well as other Internet companies and human rights group. Requests for comment from Microsoft, Google, and Yahoo -- participants in the deal -- all went unanswered this afternoon. However, confirmation of the code's formation came today from Sen. Richard Durbin (D - Ill.), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law.

Last month, Sens. Durbin and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Subcommittee, had asked the companies for an update on their progress in devising best practices for doing business with and in China. Both expressed some concern that without any kind of code, those in the country for the Olympics using the Internet could be at risk of police action if companies are assisting the government.

"It is critical to the protection of fundamental human rights that a voluntary code of conduct be finalized and implemented as soon as possible," the senators wrote last month. Referring to a hearing on the topic convened by the Subcommittee last May, they continued, "At the hearing, we agreed that Google and other American internet companies operating in Internet-restricting countries should promote free speech and not facilitate repression. A voluntary code of conduct would be one important step toward our shared goals of promoting freedom of expression and protecting the privacy of Internet users around the world."

In today's response, Sen. Durbin said, "This code of conduct would be one important step toward our shared goals of promoting freedom of expression and protecting the privacy of Internet users around the world. I look forward to learning more about the details this agreement and whether it will adequately regulate American companies operating in internet-restricting countries."

Probably the biggest target of criticisms by US politicians is Yahoo. Congress grilled the company in November over handing over the information that led to the arrest of several dissident bloggers for subversion.

Google hasn't been free of criticism over its own actions in China: in April 2006 it found itself explaining its decisions to appease the country's government in order to be approved to offer service there.

It is not clear whether the code will really change much with respect to cooperation. Yahoo and, to some extent, Google have defended their actions as respecting the laws of China, whether they agree with those laws or not.