Yahoo's About-Face

The technology press, me included, held Yahoo's feet to the fire when it was first reported that the dot com giant had turned personal information over to the Chinese Government, leading to the jailing of sone Chinese Dissidents who had used Yahoo.

It was, many thought, a deserved criticism. But for all the criticism Yahoo took, the company deserves some praise for what it's doing now.

Yahoo is starting what it calls a "human rights fund" that aims to help victims of government censorship, by providing legal advice, and other assistance. In a move both powerful and symbolic, Harry Wu, former political prisoner once deported by the Chinese Government, is overseeing Yahoo's plan.

It stands that human rights advocates who were recently critical of Yahoo's actions are now praising the company. Yahoo undoubtedly faces challenges operating in China, but by taking this stand, it's leading the way for other companies to do the same.

With so much focus on China as the Olympic Games approach, Yahoo's timing, and it's actions, are commendable.