This is curious that people are behaving like this, but I don't see it as "tech related" issue, Google (and any company) need to comply with whatever thing their country decides.
Objectively speaking, the reviews are not related to the geographical point.
> Do not obey in advance. Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what it can do.
But if you wanna make business in a certain country it is kinda expected and their normal behavior.
Mind here, this is not just google. Hence why all big tech overnight switched from "woke" to "anti woke" despite this having zero impact on their products, it is just sinaligning to the new chief.
And this behavior happens in every country they operate as well, of course since they are American companies (with stocks in the American market) this is much more pronounced in the US.
"Google gives government back-door to all user data so that government can find dissidents"
"Google needs to comply with whatever their country decides"
If companies can have political opinions, and influence the government directly, then they can be held to a moral standard, as can the individuals responsible for making decisions and taking actions for the company.
That's the thing, I think it is terrible, but companies are extensions of the government. They do those things so they can keep getting the sweet sweet tax deals and government contracts.
I am aware there's no law, but I think most replies missed this point. It's not about there being a law, but what is implied if they don't get in line.
Just like how all big techs are "anti woke" now whatever that means.
Does it have to immediately comply? I see no reason, ie if Xi decided to rename Uighur-majority places into say Han-style names, or same for Tibet. Google is not official government branch, I see no reason to be forced immediately to act upon such decisions.
What I see is desperate attempt of all those previously-admired big CEOs to try to please emotional and vengeful head of current administration however they can, including official bribes.
Maybe I have incorrect viewing lens or logic, but it certainly looks from outside that way.
I don't think Xinjiang or Tibet are helpful analogies. India recently changed a city's name from Allahabad to Prayagraj; should Google have carefully analyzed the circumstances behind this name change and rejected it if they feel the process was too silly or too Hindutva?
Google doesn’t operate in China but if they did, they would have to comply with Chinese law. For example, iPhones in China don’t have a Taiwanese flag emoji.
>This is curious that people are behaving like this, but I don't see it as "tech related" issue, Google (and any company) need to comply with whatever thing their country decides.
They also pushed the update outside Trumpland,
>The name would remain unchanged in Mexico and the rest of the world would see "Gulf of America" added next to its current name in brackets, Google added.
>The name would remain unchanged in Mexico and the rest of the world would see "Gulf of America" added next to its current name in brackets, Google added.
No law, although my original comment could be interpreted as what the law says, I meant what the acting government decides so they can "show good will" and make things easier when negotiating tax breaks and government contracts.
If there was a law then there would be no discussion, companies definitely can't break laws.
But this is about "falling in line" to get in the good sides of the current administration in this particular country.
As it always has been in any place. Check whatever Google/Meta/X/others do in several different countries on things that are not law, but it is implied that they should do whatever they are asked or else.
Objectively speaking, the reviews are not related to the geographical point.