Google Shutters China Search Operation

Unable to operate within China's stringent censorship regulations, Google will move its search operation to Hong Kong, retaining sales and R&D offices on the mainland. "The Chinese government has been crystal clear throughout our discussions that self-censorship is a non-negotiable legal requirement," the company said today. The issue came to a head after a January cyberattack, but Google has made few public comments on the dispute, CNET reports.

"We very much hope that the Chinese government respects our decision, though we are well aware that it could at any time block access to our services," Google said in a blog post. Traffic to google.cn is being redirected to google.com.hk, which the firm describes as "a sensible solution to the challenges we've faced—it's entirely legal and will meaningfully increase access to information for people in China."
(More Google stories.)