Google: ‘No license in China’
p2p news / p2pnet: Laura Song, Google’s representative in China, has denied that Google.cn is operating without a license because of trouble with regulators
“Domestic newspaper Beijing News reported Google had not obtained the ICP license needed to operate Internet content services in China, and that the government was concerned and has begun to investigate into the problem,” says Interfax China.
But, “Google’s business operation always complies to the regulations and laws of the Chinese authorities,” Song is quoted as saying.
Google launched its Chinese language platform under license from domestic web site Ganji, Song told Interfax, it states.
“The company would not be able to share the license with Ganji.com if it had not been approved by the local government,” it has her saying.
Foreign investors, “have usually become minority shareholders in joint ventures with local Internet companies, or signed deals so the foreign investor receives payment for technical support to a Chinese client,” says Reuters, going on:
“But the China Business Times, a business paper with a sometimes nationalist slant, blasted Google for even telling users that links are censored, likening the company to “an uninvited guest” telling a dinner host ‘the dishes don’t suit his taste, but he’s willing to eat them as a show of respect to the host’.”
Yahoo! used the license of its wholly-owned subsidiary 3721 Technologies to operate its business in China while eBay was also licensed to operate as an ICP after it acquired EachNet, says Interfax, adding:
“As a direct foreign investment from Google, Google.cn cannot receive a Chinese ICP license. Consequently, the company will need to launch some form of joint venture or make an acquisition in China to officially get a license.
“Song would not comment on this issue saying that the company is confident it will expand its business and improve its services in China step by step, abiding with Chinese laws.”
Also See:
Interfax China – Google.cn sharing license with Chinese website Ganji.com, February 21, 2006
Reuters – Google rejects reports over its China licence, February 21, 2006
