U.S. companies won't go to briefing on human rights, Internet in China

[SOURCE: Associated Press, AUTHOR: Foster Klug]
Representatives from several powerhouse technology companies say they won't attend a congressional briefing Wednesday meant to shine a spotlight on U.S. Internet businesses operating in China. Critics have been blasting American companies for helping China's communist government enforce censorship and silence dissent in return for access to a potentially lucrative market. Three of the four companies invited by the Congressional Human Rights Caucus -- Microsoft, Cisco Systems and Google -- won't attend Wednesday's session, said Lynne Weill, a congressional spokeswoman. Yahoo has yet to announce its decision.
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/technology/13758626.htm

See also --

* Microsoft clarifies policy on censoring blogs
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com, AUTHOR: Ina Fried]
Under fire after censoring a Chinese blogger, Microsoft on Tuesday announced a new policy for dealing with government requests to block content that violates local laws. Microsoft's new MSN Spaces policy states that the company will remove content only when it "receives a legally binding notice from the government indicating that the material violates local laws" or when the content violates MSN contract terms. When it does take down content, it will only be done in the country issuing the order, and the company
http://news.com.com/Microsoft+clarifies+policy+on+censoring+blogs/2100-1...

* Microsoft Amends Its Policy for Shutting Down Blogs
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/01/technology/01blog.html
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