Globalized online sieve

When Internet search giant Google dis- closed that it receives requests for data on online users from governments around the world, it was intended to kill two birds with one stone: Gain a high moral ground for the company, while fence off mounting global complaints on its violations of privacy.

While regulators and consumer watchdogs around the world are demanding that the company do more to improve privacy and data protection, Google launched a new tool on Tuesday to show that it is facing government pressures on censorship and personal information request from more than 40 countries. The list includes the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Germany.

Instead of boosting the company's image as a champion of Internet freedom, the move will only alienate the company further from countries that feel justified in regulating the Internet.