Google to Censor Blogs.....

Google has followed in the steps of Twitter and will take steps to censor its blogging service, Blogger. According to the article on RT.com (http://rt.com/usa/news/google-starts-censoring-blogs-375/) Google will censor  messages on blogs based on country restrictions in order to comply with the country's local laws. This could be seen as a method for Google to protect themselves from various lawsuits but it could also be seen as government censorship from various countries.

The internet is seen as a powerful tool for social action and protest and with the censorship of social media such as Twitter and Blogger, one could see this as an attempt of the governments of the world to hinder social action, protest and free speech. This could be applied to the Marxist theory where one could view this as the elite attempting to protect their established position in society by crippling tools that facilitate social change. As seen with the revolution in Egypt and the on going Occupy Wall Street Protests, social media has become a huge driving force in expression on various opinions and in organizing rallies and protest. However with these services being regulated by government laws and being blocked due to a country's local laws, action against the larger powers are hindered. Questions arise when I contemplate this coming change...What does Google determine as being a violation of a country's local laws? If non violent movements are seen as  violating a government's law, will they be shushed and blocked from the public's views in an attempt to stop these movements all together? Can this itself be viewed as Google's partnership with powerful Government powers to hinder free speech on the internet?

Image from: Info Carnivore