Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Google Considers China's "Web Mapping License"

Posted by timothy on from the now-that's-regulation dept.

eldavojohn writes "Back in May, China rolled out new laws requiring online mapping services to be 'certified' by the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. The laws appear to go into effect this month. Today an AFP article outlines Google's consideration of these rules and notes that it's unlikely Google will meet the qualifications to become certified as all of its servers holding the mapping data are outside of China. The AFP also reported that 'Foreign firms wanting to provide mapping and surveying services in China are required to set up joint ventures or partnerships with local firms.' Unless large changes are made, Google's services might get a lot more stunted as China regulates onward."

2 of 133 comments (clear)

  1. No Surprise by MightyMartian · · Score: 4, Funny

    The AFP also reported that 'Foreign firms wanting to provide mapping and surveying services in China are required to set up joint ventures or partnerships with local firms.'

    No surprise here. If doing business in China is about one thing, it's about greasing as many palms as possible. Don't forget to mention the bribes to be paid to local officials.

    Doing business in China is almost as bad as doing business in Chicago or New Jersey... almost.

    --
    The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
  2. And remember folks... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    The Democrats want to bring Chinese style regulation HERE!

    VOTE REPUBLICAN.

    SAVE AMERICA.