FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30,
2010
Contact:
John Estrella 202 530 4900 estrellaj@rfa.org
Rohit Mahajan 202 530 4976 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@rfa.org