The Google-China events of the past month have highlighted a truth that is worth reflecting on. For Google to generate cash, it needs users. Think about how users access Google. They're using a device (made by a device manufacturer), with an operating system (made by a software firm), running a browser (made by a software firm), which connects to google over one or more networks (run by a network operator, and regulated by one or more nations). Any of those five players can disrupt users' love fest with Google.
What's fascinating is that in the last week alone we've seen two of those links break down. China (regulator of networks in its borders) has used its power in ways Google doens't like; and after Google pulled out, China Unicom (China's second largest mobile operator; about 1.5x as big as Verizon Wireless) removed Google search capability from Android phones on its network.
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The events of the past month have reminded us that we shouldn't take this access for granted. Look for it as a motivation behind many of Google's actions.
The disruptive threat coming from state governments includes the issues of intermediary liability we spoke about last class. In addition to China's firewall, and US copyright law, see Italy's defamation and privacy laws. Many other countries have forms of intermediary liability as well, each of which have the potential for disruption.
Threats to Google abound. Stay tuned-
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