Google to censor content in China

U.S. online search engine Google will adhere to Beijing's censorship policies and limit certain search results in China to get broader access to the large market.

The Chinese government censors content that is considered politically sensitive and offensive. As a result, online users have been blocked from using Google or experienced delays in response time.

"In order to operate from China, we have removed some content from the search results available on Google.cn, in response to local law, regulation or policy," the internet company said in a statement.

Among the taboo topics are Taiwan's independence and 1989's Tiananmen Square massacre.

Google said providing some content in China is better than being blocked completely.

"While removing search results is inconsistent with Google's mission, providing no information (or a heavily degraded user experience that amounts to no information) is more inconsistent with our mission."

• FROM JAN. 20, 2006: Internet firms comply with U.S. government snooping

Google said it will post notifications to users that some content has been removed. China has more than 100 million web surfers and a growing market.

The search engine's decision has upset Reporters Without Borders, a media watchdog group.

"The launch of Google.cn is a black day for freedom of expression in China," the organization said in a statement.

"Freedom of expression isn't a minor principle that can be pushed aside when dealing with a dictatorship."