Twitter boss on being blocked in China: We won’t compromise our values to exist there
L-r: Costolo, Dauman, Sorrell
Dick Costolo, the boss of Twitter, said today that his company would “love” to operate in the world’s most populous country, but is not willing to compromise what the microblogging service stands for to get around its ban in China.
Costolo, who was talking on a panel with Viacom boss Philippe Dauman and WPP CEO Martin Sorrell said: “Clearly we as a company would love to be able to participate in China. But we’re blocked.”
“The more important question is what you think of yourself as company and a platform. There are certain comprises that we won’t make,” said Costolo who called the question from Martin Sorrell about the circumstances for existing in China “loaded”.
Twitter regularly removes Anonymous and Occupy accounts and assists US authorities tracking down protestors.
Whatever your views of those activists, Twitter is hardly a bastion of free speech and open political comment. Like most US digital services, it’s effectively an arm (willing or not) of US law enforcement and the state department.
Since when does Twitter own LINE?