That's more or less the situation in which Google finds itself today. It is not alone. Every big computer and communications provider from Cisco Systems and Intel Corp. on down are largely in the same position, it's just not as obvious at the moment.

In March, Google started redirecting its China search users to servers based in Hong Kong when it allegedly found the China government was hacking its systems to spy on human rights activists. By basing its searches out of systems in Hong Kong, Google claimed it was depriving China's government of its ability to censor search material.

Now Google has reached the annual deadline for getting its Internet business license renewed in China. Whether China or Google blinks will make for lots of interesting story telling over the next few hours and days.

But however Google's situation turns out, any electronics company could find itself in a similar situation on any given day. Indeed, most are probably in this situation now, it's just not a matter of public scrutiny, so the question is worth asking.

For most companies, the answer to date has been—take the money the market offers and keep quiet about human rights issues, it's not our business. Many probably rationalize that approach saying business is separate from politics, or economic engagement enables positive cultural change.

By: DocMemory
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