Yahoo sued for providing data on Chinese dissidents

[annabanana]

Source: ComputerWorld

April 19, 2007 (Computerworld) -- Washington-based World Organization for Human Rights USA has filed a lawsuit against Yahoo Inc. for allegedly providing information to Chinese authorities that led to the persecution, torture and imprisonment of four Chinese dissidents.

The lawsuit was filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

"We represent a dissident in China, Wang Xiaoning, and his wife, Yu Ling," said Theresa Harris, international justice project director at the World Organization. "His wife came to the U.S. because of the effects of Yahoo's disclosure of her husband's information. Based on the information that Yahoo provided to the Chinese authorities, her husband was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison and she is seeking justice here. She is looking to hold the corporation accountable for what happened to her family. Her husband did nothing wrong. He wrote his opinions and that's what he's been put in prison for."

Harris said Ling wants Yahoo to change its policy and to use its influence to help get the dissidents, who have been imprisoned based on information Yahoo turned over to the government, out of prison. Harris said Ling is also seeking unspecified damages as well as a court order to stop Yahoo from doing the same thing in the future.



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I'm surprised no one here spotted this! I think it is hugely important. "the cost of doing business" in China should not be so high.

[Ian David]

1. Still, we do need more kidneys for transplant, don't we?

:sarcasm:

[Doremus]

2. Must keep in China's good graces -- much $$$ to make there.

Eh, so a few hapless Chinese go to prison and get tortured for 10 years. It's not like there aren't a few billion more to take their place or anything.

Must protect our shareholders.


:sarcasm:

[annabanana]

3. I fear you may be right.. Big Money has bigger dollar signs

dazzling their eyes...

It will be interesting to see what (if anything) happens in this suit..