ARE TECH COMPANIES FINALLY STANDING UP TO CENSORSHIP by Chinese and other authorities?

Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft and Vodaphone are now committed publicly to a process “which aims to produce a set of principles guiding company behavior when faced with laws, regulations and policies that interfere with the achievement of human rights.” As BSR’s CEO Aron Cramer put it: “This important dialogue reflects a shared commitment to maximize the information available via the internet on the basis of global principles protecting free expression and privacy.”

A number of other companies had the opportunity to join this process – including one of the four companies called on the carpet before Congress last year – but they have lacked cojones. Maybe the first-movers will help them find some?

Rebecca MacKinnon has more at the link.