The International

Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the Central Propaganda Department’s

demand that China’s media

only use information from the state-owned Xinhua and China Daily outlets when reporting on Google Inc’s January 12 announcement

to withdraw from operating in China.

The department’s order also said

news reports about the issue must not be published in prominent places.

Google made its announcement after

reportedly detecting a highly sophisticated targeted attack on its

infrastructure, generated from China.

“Any

targeted interference in online communications in China

raises significant concerns about the security of journalists in China who

gather and share information online and report independently in the public

interest,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said.

In a statement on its website,

Google said at least two gmail accounts run by Chinese human rights activists

had been attacked. Dozens of users who are involved in human rights advocacy in

China and who have gmail

accounts based in the United States,

China and Europe

had also been routinely accessed by unknown third parties.

The statement said Google would no

longer appease China’s

demands to censor and filter information available on its China-specific search

engine, Google.cn. Google.cn employs about 700 staff in China.

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton

also expressed concern on January 12 about alleged interference in Google and online

communication services in China.

“We

look to the Chinese Government for an explanation.The ability to operate

with confidence in cyberspace is critical in a modern society and economy,” she

said in a statement.

On January 14, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry defended China’s

cyber industry, stating that the internet was open and government management of

the internet was in accordance with the law. 

“Google’s announcement is a welcome

step forward in encouraging global media groups to take a stand against

policies that infringe on the rights of all internet users – including

journalists and activists - to privacy in their communications,” White said.   

The IFJ urges China’s Government to cease issuing orders to

censor and control media content in China.

For further

information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific

on +612 9333 0919

The IFJ

represents over 600,000 journalists in 125 countries worldwide