Break up with Google this Valentine's Day

In case anyone missed it, Google is China's new best pal in the wonderful world of corporate compromise in exchange for freedom and human rights. From CNet.Com last week:

"Google.cn will comply with local Chinese laws and regulations," he said in a statement. "In deciding how best to approach the Chinese--or any--market, we must balance our commitments to satisfy the interest of users, expand access to information, and respond to local conditions."

Google will not initially offer Gmail or Blogger in China until executives feel they can strike that balance adequately, McLaughlin said.

Now, Students for a Free Tibet have launched a worldwide campaign in response to Google bowing to the repression of the Chinese government: No Luv 4 Google, encouraging users to "break up" with Google on Valentine's Day this year. From their action site:

[O]n Tuesday, February 14th, show you have a heart for freedom and human rights...and no love for Google. On Valentine's Day:

* Break up with Google - boycott Google and all its "services." Make a pledge now and spread the word.

* Find a new search partner that is open and available and just waiting for you to find them.

* Join a No Luv 4 Google protest - tell Google off in person at an office near you!

Are you wondering: why pick on Google? Why not Yahoo!, Microsoft and others playing kissy-kissy with the Chinese authorities? Well, we think they suck too.

Click here to take action and tell them you don't love them either.

It's appalling (though not entirely surprising) that a company who proclaims to be so interested in civil rights can just turn around and appease a repressive government in exchange for market share. Luckily, the SFT folks have come up with a number of alternatives, so I'm breaking up with Google. Are you?