Google Stops Censoring Search Results in China, Reroutes to Hong Kong

This thing with Google keeps getting interesting, doesn't it? It seems that Google has figured out a way to keep their presence in China, for at least a little bit longer. And, even more, they've officially stopped censoring search queries in the country. It's a bold move from the Mountain View-based company, but one we figured was coming.

First, it should be noted that Google is keeping its presence in China in the form of non-search related material, as well as keeping its sales and research operations in tact. All of this is coming from Google's official blog, so, as the saying goes, straight from the horse's mouth. Google is rerouting search queries through its Chinese language service in Hong Kong, which seems like a short-term fix, but a fix nonetheless. The company also noted that it is "too early to tell" whether or not the 600 employees in China will be let go, or able to keep their jobs as the future approaches.

We'll have to wait and see how this relates to the previous reports, especially if that April 18th date actually means anything. We understand that the tension between the Chinese government and Google is high at this point, and we imagine that Google's latest shove for the sake of no censorship will make someone angry somewhere, but we'll have to wait and see what happens.

[via Google]