FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2010
Contact: John Estrella 202 530 4900 estrellaj(a)rfa.org
<mailto:estrellaj@rfa.org>
Rohit Mahajan 202 530 4976 mahajanr(a)rfa.org
<mailto:mahajanr@rfa.org>
Radio Free Asia Responds to China Blocking Google Searches with the
Letters 'RFA'
Washington, DC - Radio Free Asia President Libby Liu issued the
following statement today in response to the news that China's Great
Firewall temporarily blocked all Google searches in China, due to an
unintentional association with the long-censored term "rfa." According
to Google, the phrase "gs_rfai," which began appearing in the URL's of
Google searches globally, triggered the problem. Google's statement
went on to explain that in China these search results are being blocked
due to the presence of the letters "rfa," because they are associated
with Radio Free Asia.
"This development is a stark reminder to the world of China's repressive
control of the Internet and free speech for its citizens," Liu said.
"The sensitivity of China's Great Firewall to filter any searches with
the letters 'rfa' shows the extent to which online censors will go to
restrict the Internet.
"It's time for China to stop exerting draconian control of its
cyberspace, and allow accurate and objective information to flow freely
within its society."
# # #
Radio Free Asia is a private, nonprofit corporation broadcasting and
publishing online news, information, and commentary in nine East Asian
languages to listeners who do not have access to full and free news
media. RFA's broadcasts seek to promote the rights of freedom of
opinion and expression, including the freedom to "seek, receive, and
impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of
frontiers." RFA is funded by an annual grant from the Broadcasting Board
of Governors.
Rohit Mahajan
Media Relations Manager
Radio Free Asia
Desk: (202) 530-4976
Cell: (202) 489-8021
Email: mahajanr(a)rfa.org
http://www.rfa.org/
