Replacement of Google with Alternative Search Systems in China

Documentation and Screen Shots

Berkman Center for Internet & Society

Harvard Law School

Overview

The authors are studying Internet filtering in countries worldwide, and current investigations focus on restrictions on web access in China. Using a web-based system to test web filtering in China, the authors previously determined and confirmed that Google was inaccessible from at least one testing location in China; initially, in testing beginning August 29, a request for Google led to the error "host not found," consistent with requests for other inaccessible or blocked sites. However, using related methods, the authors have now confirmed and documented reports that Chinese Internet access currently provides pages other than the ordinary Google home page in response to requests for google.com; such behavior is believed to have begun on September 8. The screen shots below document 6 instances of this replacement.

Update (11:00 PM EST on September 11): Sources in China and the Real-Time Testing System confirm that Google is now reachable in China as usual. Requests for www.google.com now yield the expected Google search page (and not the third-party sites preserved below). However, searches for certain controversial sites appear to be restricted. The authors are working to prepare a sample of specific prohibited terms as well as to document the method of filtering.