New York, February 1 – In response to Google’s launch of a web search platform that blocks access to and distorts information about Tibet, human rights, and other topics sensitive to Beijing, Students for a Free Tibet has created a website called www.NoLuv4Google.com where Tibetans and supporters of freedom can voice their outrage against Google’s decision.
Below is a satirical press release calling all internet users to join in the global campaign to boycott Google on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. We urge all Tibetans to pledge a one-day boycott of Google at www.NoLuv4Google.com and show the giant search engine that their partnership with the Chinese government is unforgivably irresponsible and evil.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2006
Contact: Lhadon Tethong, (917) 418-4181 Han-shan, (212) 358-0071
TIBETANS CALL FOR MASS BREAKUP WITH GOOGLE ON VALENTINE’S DAY
Cite Chinese government partnership as source of relationship woes
New York – Distraught and angry Tibetans and their supporters are calling for a mass break up with Google this Valentine’s Day, citing Google’s new partnership with the Chinese Government, Google.cn. Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) launched the website NoLuv4Google.com in order to help people navigate the tricky waters of this massive life change, as well as to provide an outlet for widespread anger and grief. SFT is also coordinating protests at Google’s offices worldwide on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, to help channel users’ emotions and, according to the organizers, “to provide closure.”
“It hasn’t been easy but we’re strong and we’re moving on,” said Lhadon Tethong, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet. “For five years, I had a meaningful relationship with Google but now they’ve betrayed me. They’ve betrayed all of us and now we’re saying: it’s either us or the Chinese government.”
“It’s been the classic five stages for me, except backwards.” said Han-shan, an Action Coordinator with Students for a Free Tibet. “It started with acceptance that they were just like any other greedy corporation. Now I’m kind of stuck in shock and outrage. Google, I can’t believe you let the Chinese government change you. It’s like I don’t even know you anymore.”
Other jilted users are urged to go to www.NoLuv4Google.com to seek counseling and advice on how to move on… and get even. There, you can post and read “Google Breakup Stories” including a testimonial from Tsering Lama of Vancouver, Canada. She writes, “Dear Google, if you think the Chinese Communist Party (we call them “CCP” for short) will be a good friend, take it from a Tibetan, you’re gravely mistaken. You’ll soon find them to be a fickle partner at best.” The website also provides support for Valentine’s Day demonstrations at Google offices worldwide.
Google launched a web search platform custom-built to the Chinese authorities’ specifications that blocks access to and distorts information about Tibet, human rights, and other topics sensitive to Beijing. Google rivals, Yahoo! and Microsoft, have already cooperated with Chinese authorities. Last year, Yahoo! provided information that helped jail a Chinese dissident for ten years and last month Microsoft shut down a Chinese political blogger’s site for “not complying with local law.”
