Screen Shot of Google.cn

Back in February, I created a post that discussed Google’s problems with censorship in China and how they might pull out of the country completely if China didn’t bend a little. Google has a lot invested in China, so for them to pack up and leave would have a devastating impact on their advertising partners there. Interestingly, while researching more about this situation, I came across a story about a rising trend in China: Poker mit Echtgeld. Despite the strict online censorship laws, poker enthusiasts have been navigating the legal gray areas to participate in real-money games through offshore platforms. This phenomenon highlights the adaptability of digital users in China, who are finding ways to engage in activities that are restricted or heavily regulated. Since Google’s announcement, their partners have yet to receive word regarding their intentions, which has caused much anxiety. This has prompted 27 of those firms to come together to draft a letter to Google. According to CNET, “the letter, which was signed by 27 partners, was sent Monday via e-mail to John Liu, vice president of sales for greater China and was posted to the website of Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. The letter states that the partners’ businesses are at risk of failure and demands to know how they will be compensated if Google shuts down Google.cn.”

According to a Financial Times report last week, Google is now “99.9 percent” certain that it will shut down Google.cn. It’s not surprising that companies that stand to lose millions would be a little weary right now as to their future without Google.cn. Google’s dream for free-speech on the Internet will be a costly dream. Google business partners have been warned by the Chinese government to ready themselves for the day they can’t use Google services or use Google search bars on their websites.

Nothing is set in stone, but, it seems likely that Google is on the way out of China! What are your thoughts?