Sergey Brin Backtracks On Anti-Apple and Facebook Rhetoric

It didn’t take long for Sergey Brin to feel like he needed to “clarify” his comments to the Guardian about “internet freedom” as well as Facebook and Apple’s part in destroying the free and open web. It’s only been two days since he made the comment. Sergey Brin has taken to Google+, obviously, to clarify his point, which reads more like damage control than it does a clarification.

Brin, clarifying his stance on Google+:

In the interview came the subject of digital ecosystems that are not as open as the web itself and I think this portion has led to some misunderstanding of my views. So to clarify, I certainly do not think this issue is on a par with government based censorship. Moreover, I have much admiration for two of the companies we discussed — Apple and Facebook. I have always admired Apple’s products. In fact, I am writing this post on an Imac and using an Apple keyboard I have cherished for the past seven years. Likewise, Facebook has helped to connect hundreds of millions of people, has been a key tool for political expression and has been instrumental to the Arab Spring. Both have made key contributions to the free flow of information around the world.

Brin also states that the primary threat to a free and open web is the governments of the world looking to control access to information. Obviously, I don’t disagree with the government comments, but Brin’s comments about Facebook and Apple are disingenious, and his new clarification skirts the biggest issue at hand — Google is as big of a threat to a free and open Internet as Facebook and Apple. In all actuality, Google’s track record in these matters is abhorrent. Thowing mud first and talking louder doesn’t make your argument more valid. Someone needs to tell this to Sergey Brin.

Don’t believe me? Check out this post that highlights a number of ways that Google has stood in direct opposition to a free and open web. I really wish Brin would sack up and just simply tell the public that Google needs to be better in the future.

Via: Slashgear

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