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Google Inc. today announced via its official blog that the Chinese government has renewed its license and that it will continue to operate in China. Google further notes:

"We currently automatically redirect everyone using Google.cn to Google.com.hk, our Hong Kong search engine. This redirect, which offers unfiltered search in simplified Chinese, has been working well for our users and for Google. However, it's clear from conversations we have had with Chinese government officials that they find the redirect unacceptable — and that if we continue redirecting users our Internet Content Provider license will not be renewed (it's up for renewal on June 30). Without an ICP license, we can't operate a commercial website like Google.cn — so Google would effectively go dark in China."

Related Links:
Boy, Did Google Blow It In China SFGate, Jul.9.2010
Stocks edge higher after Google wins China license AP, Jul.9.2010
On Google's license renewal and principled engagement Rebecca MacKinnon, Jul.9.2010
The Google-China Detente Continues Terry Zink, Jul.11.2010

Related topics: Censorship, Internet Governance, Policy & Regulation, Web