Money, power and web censorship

It now appears that the Myanmar government may be using Fortinet's firewalls without the company's knowledge or consent. Fortinet is undoubtedly concerned about charges of sanctions-busting, although realistically asking for its kit back isn't going to be an option.

But what about those countries that aren't on an embargo list but still censor internet access? Some are relatively benign, Singapore for example, but when it comes to China and other states that repress their own population a line needs to be drawn. No matter if there are sales to be made there's the ethical dimension to consider.

I went to university with a bona fide rocket scientist, a profession he drunkenly admitted first appealed to him because of the response to "What do you think you are…" He later took a position with a major arms company and his defence when questioned on this was that if he didn't do it someone else would.

This is never an excuse for a rational adult, and it shouldn't be a response accepted by a technology company. So someone else will do, it then let them. As long as the best minds steer clear the resultant product will be sub-standard and easier to defeat.

The next time you specify some hardware and software check to see who the company's overseas customers are and make your decision. NGOs are preparing lists and this is also something I'm going to be looking into and reporting on as well. After all, is your shiny new kit worth a lifetime of misery for a political prisoner?