Changes

In February, 2010, the Chinese Government imposed new rules for website operators. The new guidlines stipulated requirements such as the need to submit photographs and other information, and meet the service provider in person.<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10458420-245.html CNet News]</ref>

In February, 2010, the Chinese Government imposed new rules for website operators. The new guidlines stipulated requirements such as the need to submit photographs and other information, and meet the service provider in person.<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10458420-245.html CNet News]</ref>

Google protested this legislation by refusing to censor their search results on Google.cn on March 22, 2010 <ref>[http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/new-approach-to-china-update.html Official Google Blog]</ref>. On March 24, 2010 GoDaddy announced to Chinese lawmakers that it will cease registering websites in China in opposition to the new intrusive government rule. According to GoDaddy, this rule of increased monitoring and surveillance will put the individual or firms at risk. The company also said the rules will have a "chilling effect" on new domain name registrations.<ref>[http://www.pcworld.com/article/192335/go_daddy_to_china_no_more_domains_for_you.html PCWorld].</ref>

Google protested this legislation by refusing to censor their search results on Google.cn on March 22, 2010.<ref>[http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/new-approach-to-china-update.html Official Google Blog]</ref> On March 24, 2010 GoDaddy announced to Chinese lawmakers that it will cease registering websites in China in opposition to the new intrusive government rule. According to GoDaddy, this rule of increased monitoring and surveillance will put the individual or firms at risk. The company also said the rules will have a "chilling effect" on new domain name registrations.<ref>[http://www.pcworld.com/article/192335/go_daddy_to_china_no_more_domains_for_you.html PCWorld].</ref>

However, their effort has been criticized as a publicity stunt, given that GoDaddy so quickly followed Google's approach. The company responded in an announcement, saying their refusal to do business in China is not a PR act and that they are genuinely concerned about the situation facing the Chinese web industry.<ref>[http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/03/go-daddy-china-stunt/ Wired.com]</ref>.

However, their effort has been criticized as a publicity stunt, given that GoDaddy so quickly followed Google's approach. The company responded in an announcement, saying their refusal to do business in China is not a PR act and that they are genuinely concerned about the situation facing the Chinese web industry.<ref>[http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/03/go-daddy-china-stunt/ Wired.com]</ref>.