More on filters and search engines

Like Google, Microsoft has vowed to protect freedom of expression around the world, however as a study from Open Net Initiative revealed Bing, Microsoft’s search engine, has a strict filter on information available in the Middle East. As the study suggests, Bing “filtered Arabic and English words for sexually explicit content along with queries related to gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender material.” Unlike other censorship cases around the world, Bing’s filters are self-imposed and it has been argued that the search engine is more ‘prudish’ than many governments in the region. While committed to freedom and democracy, Bing might not be ready yet to ‘scandalize’ the Middle Eastern markets.