In a response to ZDnet, Microsoft said it shut Chinese blogger Michael Anti’s site because it is committed to the safety of internet users:

“MSN is committed to ensuring that products and services comply with global and local laws, norms, and industry practices. Most countries have laws and practices that require companies providing online services to make the Internet safe for local users. Occasionally, as in China, local laws and practices require consideration of unique elements,” the spokesperson said.

Questions still remain over why a site believed to be hosted in the US has to comply with Chinese law. Microsoft responded to requests for more information on this issue by claiming that “Microsoft is a multi-national business and as such need to manage the reality of operating in countries around the world”.

AsiaPundit uses TypePad, which is currently unblocked in China. AsiaPundit is concerned that TypePad owner Six Apart has not had the slightest bit of concern about keeping him safe.

This should be the end of the story. MSN did a good thing by shutting down Anti. It is clearly more concerned about its users safety than services like TypePad. This had nothing to do with the security of its own bottom line or helping to maintain the CCP’s near complete control on information.

Berks.

Technorati Tags: anti, asia, blogs, censorship, east asia, media, northeast asia