Amnesty International calls for Google to halt cloud computing in Saudi Arabia, saying the move could lead to increased restrictions on human rights. Google’s decision to open two new Saudi-based operations was seen as a major step forward in terms of internet regulation in the Middle East. It is widely accepted that the internet has many benefits, but also allows for greater potential for abuse and manipulation. Google’s decision to expand into Saudi Arabia is part of its broader plan to expand into Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world. It is also one of the biggest steps Google has taken so far to ensure it complies with the demands of governments around the world to make its search services more accountable.
The potential impact of the decision by Google would be particularly problematic for those who advocate for internet freedom and have advocated against internet censorship. There are many human rights defenders, who say that the internet should not be restricted, especially when there is no clear abuse or criminal activity involved. Many countries, including Saudi Arabia, have harsh human rights records and Google’s potential to move into the Middle East would raise concerns over increased internet censorship.
There are fears that Google’s move into Middle Eastern countries will put up to five million internet users at increased risk of obtaining illicit material and information. There are also concerns that Google’s move into Middle East countries could damage trade relations between the U.S. and the Middle East. This would be a further hindrance to U.S. efforts to promote internet freedom.
According to its corporate mission statement, Google is “building an online world where people can share and get what they want.” However, the move into Middle Eastern countries will give Google a significant new responsibility. The company must take responsibility for how its internet services are used by human rights defenders and citizens in Middle Eastern countries. The company should not be able to choose between its human rights responsibilities and providing internet access in countries where those responsibilities are not respected.
In a May Human Rights Day letter to the United Nations Human Rights chief, Dr. Vallie Rajewski called on all member states of the Human Rights Commission to request that Google stop making cloud computing applications based in Middle Eastern countries. Google declined to comply, instead of calling on the organization to increase efforts to address privacy concerns in other countries. Rajewski also stated that the company had introduced an internal team to focus on Middle Eastern concerns and had appointed Franklyaptop as a new Middle East representative. The company did not state when it will make the changes or what it will do to address the current privacy concerns it has faced in the Middle East.
Concerns have also been raised by members of the U.S. State Department who argue that allowing internet use by Saudi Arabia raises human rights issues with U.S. citizens traveling to the region. The U.S. State Department does not oppose internet use but welcomes efforts by other countries to implement laws that protect internet users around the world. Concerns have also been expressed by members of Congress who are concerned that the internet could become a way for terrorists to coordinate their activities. The State Department has publicly stated that the government does not support internet censorship and any legislation that attempts to introduce such legislation is likely to be ineffective.
The potential for abuse of information technology by terrorists is another reason why Google should not give cloud computing to Saudi Arabia. Many human rights groups are raising concerns about the possibility of internet use by terrorists due to the vast resources available through the technology. The potential for abuse of information technology by terrorists is another reason why Google should not give cloud computing to Saudi Arabia. However, the company may choose to do business with countries whose track record on human rights issues is positive and that meet the company’s own standards.
Regardless of the company’s decision to allow cloud computing in Saudi Arabia, it is important for users to understand what they are doing. Google will not be able to make changes to its current practices regarding privacy if it does not change its ways in order to be compliant with the different laws governing the internet. Users need to make sure they know what their responsibilities are under whatever agreement they enter into. They also need to ensure that they understand the potential pitfalls of doing business with a country that does not respect the privacy rights of its users.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.