Google China moves Search and other services to Hong Kong

Google has taken its first major step after the fallout with the Chinese government early this year. Not bogging down to the government’s demand of censoring search results, Google has finally moved its Search, News and Images from the Mainland China to Hong Kong servers. All users trying to visit Google.cn will now be redirected to Google.com.hk and will be offered uncensored results in simplified Chinese.

Users can visit this page to track which Google services are working perfectly or are blocked. Currently, YouTube, Sites and Blogger seems to be blocked while Gmail, Search, Images and News work with no issues.

This however, does not mean Google is pulling out completely but will continue to R&D in China to “maintain a sales presence”. Though Google was quick to emphasize that it totally depends on access of services from mainland China, which means if China blocks out the redirected services Google might eventually move out.

NYTimes interview with Sergey Brin

[Via Googleblog]

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