A number of experts have recently commented on Google’s plans to introduce a censored version of its search service in China, saying that the effort would not be worth the cost. Shawn Rein of China Market Research Group says that their data showed that 90% of Chinese consumers still prefer to use Baidu for Chinese search, and Google only for English search simply because the former yields better results. Meanwhile, James Lee of Mizuho Securities pointed out that Google may be investing in a business that is becoming less important, since Chinese users are moving more towards social media apps […]

According to documents leaked this week, Google is likely to launch a censored version of its search service in China. The Intercept says that the project, codenamed Dragonfly, may blacklist websites and search terms including human rights, democracy, religion, and peaceful protest. It was revealed that Google programmers and engineers have already developed a custom Android app called “Maotai” and “Longfei” which has already been demoed to the Chinese government. The app, which will adhere to the country’s strict censorship laws, is just waiting for the approval of government officials and may be launched within six to nine months. Source: […]