Reason for interruption still unclear

(Updated with additional information below) Google's search services in China were reportedly blocked on Thursday. Company representatives suggest the exact reason for the service interruption has yet to be confirmed, although the block is likely to have resulted from the search giant's public spat with the Chinese government.

The situation marks the first time Google's online ads and mobile search have been fully blocked. Users had encountered problems attempting to access the search suggestions feature for the past few weeks, according to a Wall Street Journal report (sub. required).

Although Google vowed to stop self-censoring search content for its Hong Kong site, CEO Eric Schmidt recently clarified that the company's Chinese operations were still at the mercy of the government. Despite the current block, Chinese officials earlier this month decided to renew Google's license to operate in the country.

Update: Google now suggests that the blocked services may have resulted from a technical glitch, rather than intentional interference from the Chinese government. Representatives claim the company's monitoring systems can "overestimate the level of blockage." The problem appears to be much smaller than initially thought. Service is said to be back to normal for users throughout China. [via Reuters]

By Electronista Staff