Google’s bombshell  announcement yesterday about its “new approach” to China is still reverberating across the media and the blogosphere.    Everyone is trying  to put this in perspective, assessing its impact and figuring out  Google’s true  motivations and rationale for this drastic action.   However,  most blogs and analysis focused on two important aspects of this story : Google’s tough stance against the freedom and censorship issues in China   and the business implications of this for Google.  But very few address  another equally important aspect :  The warning to the free world of  the clear and present danger of Chinese cyber attacks and cyber warfare .  Here is a quick rundown of some popular reactions :

Many bloggers and analysts are saying that Google deserves kudos for this tough and brave stance against censorship and oppression in China,  and that they are living up to their “don’t be evil” motto.   Rebecca MackInnon has an excellent post  titled “Google puts its foot down” and writes :

“ They are living up to their “don’t be evil” motto - much mocked of late - and living up to their commitments to free speech and privacy as a member of the Global Network Initiative. “

This sentiment was echoed by many bloggers and media analysts and was certainly a factor in Google’s decision. [Read more →]