The Google and China dispute has become vastly overcomplicated by all of the “he said, she said” from both parties involved. We all know by now that China’s government reportedly attempted to access the Gmail addresses of several key Chinese human rights activists during the first few weeks of 2010. Google was outraged to make this discovery, especially after all of the problems that the company has had with China over Internet privacy in the past. The Chinese government has repeatedly denied these allegations, but has stated that they are “in talks” with Google.

So far Google hasn’t made any moves to pull out of China, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen. As an American citizen and overly frequent Internet user, I would have to agree with Google’s push to protect the privacy rights of users. China’s abuse of privacy and over-the-top Internet censorship makes me glad that I am an American. Google could use this opportunity to make an example out China, the question is: will they?

So I ask again: is Google overstepping its boundaries in China?  Should it just do what the government wants and quit protesting? Or should Google stand up for freedom of expression and fight back?