Net diplomacy

[Commentary] Google's attempt to escape the stigma of self-censorship in China by "off-shoring" its local search engine to censor-free Hong Kong is a creative way to deal with a difficult problem. But it was never likely to be the end of the story, and judging by early angry reactions from Chinese officials, the toughest decisions are still to come.

For Google, the move is long overdue. Whatever the final straw that led to its change of position over China - whether it was the well-publicized cyberattacks from inside the country, disillusionment that the censorship situation has not improved, or just weariness at investing large amounts with little to show for it - it is a welcome development. As its partial retreat now shows, Google was wrong to assume at the outset that it could open up the Chinese Internet by working from the inside. China should now think twice before imposing any tough new sanctions on the company. If China does act precipitously, foreign governments must show a much greater willingness than they have in the past to unite in taking a stronger stand in support of open networks. The economic and political realities mean that China itself is unlikely to give ground. But its repressive stance has set a dubious leadership for regimes elsewhere, with the open Internet under attack in many parts of the world. Diplomatic and economic pressure may have more effect elsewhere. If the global drift towards a more restrictive Internet is to be halted, now is the time to draw a line in the sand.