Google Says

Google has gone to great lengths to defend free speech, and has protected a lot of questionable material (posted by users) on both Orkut and Blogger. It appears that Google draws the line at death threats, however, as a blog containing threats against a New Zealand politician was shut down this morning.

When Radio New Zealand News talked to Google spokesperson Victoria Grand, Grand said that “the online forum has repeatedly violated the rules,” and that “Google has the right to remove websites which threaten violence against another person and which reveal people’s home addresses.” The statements effectively play into the company’s “do no evil” image.

Yet the blog now shows up with just the word “NONE” against a blank black background.

Oh, and the politician who was threatened seems to have handled the situation admirably. “Green Party MP Sue Bradford said she refused to be intimidated . . . ,” Radio New Zealand reported. “Ms Bradford would not say whether she is under police protection, but says she is treading carefully.”



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