Outsourcings first victim: Microsoft
 

Now, how many times have I posted that outsourcing is okay as long as the outsourcee is responsible for the goods and services they render to prevent those goods, employees and services from being used by the foreign powers outsourced to to commit crimes, subjugate people and do other downright rotten stuff???? In this case however, it looks more like Microsoft is the victim! Check out the 'UN' reference.

No sooner said than done, check out the first victim. None other than Microsoft.
-------
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/busin...136045,00.html

Microsoft in human rights row

Gates's firm supplied technology used to trap Chinese dissidents, says Amnesty

Nick Mathiason
Sunday February 1, 2004
The Observer

Technology sold by Microsoft to the Chinese government has been used by Beijing to censor the internet, and resulted in the jailing of its political opponents.



An Amnesty International report has cited Microsoft among a clutch of leading computer firms heavily criticised for helping to fuel 'a dramatic rise in the number of people detained or sentenced for internet-related offences'.

The human rights group has slated Bill Gates's company for an 'inadequate response' to escalating abuses in China. 'We don't believe this is appropriate or responsible,' said Mark Allison, an Amnesty International researcher who wrote the report. '[Microsoft] should be more concerned about human rights abuses and should be using its influence to lift restrictions on freedom of expression and get people out of prison. It is worrying that they don't seem to have raised these issues.'

Amnesty believes Microsoft is in violation of a new United Nations Human Rights code for multinationals which says businesses should 'seek to ensure that the goods and services they provide will not be used to abuse human rights'.

China is the world's most aggressive censor of the internet. Websites are banned for using words such as 'Taiwan', 'Tibet', 'democracy', 'dissident' and 'human rights'. Amnesty has recorded dozens of cases of political opponents jailed for circulating material offensive to the Chinese government.

Microsoft told The Observer: 'We are focused on delivering the best technology to people throughout the world. However, how that technology is used is with the individual and ultimately not in the company's control.'

Since China was admitted to the World Trade Organisation two years ago a succession of big US technology firms have been supplying the government. Internet use in China is close to 80 million, though this is less than 10 per cent of the adult population.

Nortel Networks said in September 2003 it plans to invest $200 million in the next three years to strengthen its research and development capabilities in China.

Cisco Systems, which has also been named in the Amnesty report, has in the past denied that it tailors products for the Chinese market and has said: 'If the government of China wants to monitor the internet, that's their business. We are politically neutral.' But Allison said: 'In terms of the internet the Chinese government is arresting people who are doing nothing more than expressing themselves.

It was confirmed last week that Gates is to receive an honorary knighthood. The firm is embroiled in tough negotiations over supply of software to the NHS.

Considering all of M$'s trusted computing bullshit, I very much doubt that they care about a few abuses of human rights.

This has nothing to do with outsourcing.

that too

is it me or this is not even remotely related to outsoursing?
GregB, I think your outsourcing paranoia is getting you blind. Despite this specific case doesn't have anything (and I mean ANYTHING, big capitals) with outsourcing, then I understand why you and some other people is concerned with outsourcing. Then, you can do much against it other than find the way to stay in this or move to another work area, it's called capitalism.

Yes indeed this story has ALOT to do with outsourcing. What lots of people DON'T know is that there are groups like the UN that impose their laws and restrictions and guidelines for foreign business actions. The US also has it's rules and regulations. Yet they're a double edged sword as you can see with what happened with Microsoft.

Now the big question is how enforceable are these guidelines/laws? They're 'blanket' rules that seem to apply to 'some' not 'all'.

In this case it's to the disadvantage of Microsoft because if you look closely they're getting hit hard for the actions of the Chinese govt. So why isn't the UN just as hard if not harder on the Chinese and the U.S. as they are on Microsoft? Because they figure they can get some money outta Microsoft that's why.

No, it doesn't. I suggest you do some research into what outsourcing is because you seem to be confused.

When is m$'s website going down??? I heard that trojan is bringing the site down on Tuesday? is that right?

Man, you need to clear what you mean by outsourcing.

Last time I checked, Microsoft has an OUTSOURCING center in India. Did the UN mention this? If not, it's not about outsourcing.

outsourcing
this text?

go back to school
soory

MyDoom targets SCO (today, 1. Feb). MyDoom.B who intends to take down M$ has not spread enough to do damage.

UN Laws?.... Enforceable? Not at all... just ask georege w.... look how he handled the UN.... The UN is weak and has no athority what so ever.... Again... just look at george w.