Gmail, Netqin Spar with Chinese Censors Gmail,网秦

It seems the Chinese censors have been working overtime, with security software provider Netqin and Internet giant Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) both feeling the wrath of Chinese bureaucrats. First Netqin. I don’t know much about this company other than it’s an IPO candidate, which I reported last week. But if the media reports are right, it looks like Netqin, which specializes in mobile software, is suddenly being disabled by all three of China’s major telcos. (English article) No reason was given, but knowing how shifty some of these companies can be, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were engaging in questionable business practices. Regardless, this kind of development certainly can’t be good for an IPO. On to Google, which has accused China of slowing or blocking access to its Gmail service, after numerous users reported problems in recent weeks. (English article) This one looks like part of Google’s ongoing testy relations with Beijing, and I have no doubt the “crisis” will pass with time, especially now that the National People’s Congress is over.

Bottom Line: Netqin’s overseas IPO may have suffered a death blow at the hands of China censors, while Google’s latest tussle with Beijing will pass soon with no major consequences.

最近Gmail和网秦遭遇麻烦，显示中国网络监管部门似乎又在加班加点。据中国媒体报导，有意海外上市的手机软件公司网乎被中国三大电信运营商集体屏蔽。无论原因如何，这对网秦的IPO计划都是重大打击。最近几周，Gmail在中国的服务屡出问题，似乎是Google与中国政府磕磕碰碰的关系中出现的新插曲。但随着两会闭幕，我相信这些”问题”将逐步自行解决。

一句话：中国网监部门几乎对网秦的上市计划判了死刑。而Google在中国遇到的新问题应可小事化无。