YouTube users in South Korea may have to confirm their real identities to use the site in the near future. There is a law in that country that requires them to do so and would require Google to turn over information to the South Korean government when asked. The Hankyoreh suggests that the company may be breaking their "Don't be Evil" policy. He also has a quote from a Google spokesperson on the subject:
"Google Korea has ... always (taken) the stance that Google respects local law/regulation but at the same time we continue trying to promote freedom of speech on the Internet."
Tartakoff also suggests that Google caving here could set a precedent for how Google handles similar situations in other countries. South Korea is the first one for which Google will be collecting real-name info that can be used to identify individuals.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!