US internet giant Amazon will block Australian shoppers from its international websites to counter new tax laws on online purchases, it announced Thursday (May 31). Amazon said Australian shoppers wanting to use its global platforms will instead be directed to its smaller Australian site, which offers much less for sale. (Photo: AFP/Mark Makela) New rules require internet retailers like the American behemoth to collect a 10 per cent goods and services tax on everything bought from overseas sites from Jul 1, including under the current tax-free threshold of AU$1,000 (US$760). As a result, Amazon said Australian shoppers wanting to use its global platforms will instead be directed to its smaller Australian site, which offers much less for sale. Amazon reportedly baulked at the massive administrative burden of tracking GST from all overseas transactions. "While we regret any inconvenience this may cause customers, we have had to assess the workability of the legislation as a … [Read more...] about Amazon blocks Australia from global sites over tax
Site which opens blocked sites
Google’s Gmail blocked in China
Google Inc's Gmail was blocked in China after months of disruptions to the world's biggest email service, with an anti-censorship advocate suggesting the Great Firewall was to blame. Large numbers of Gmail Web addresses were cut off in China on Friday, said GreatFire.org, a China-based freedom of speech advocacy group. Users said the service was still down on Monday. "I think the government is just trying to further eliminate Google's presence in China and even weaken its market overseas," said a member of GreatFire.org, who uses a pseudonym. Google's own Transparency Report, which shows real-time traffic to Google services, displayed a sharp drop-off in traffic to Gmail from China on Friday. "We've checked and there's nothing wrong on our end," a Singapore-based spokesman for Google said in an email. In Washington, the U.S. State Department expressed concern over China's actions. "We encourage China to be transparent in its dealings with international companies and to … [Read more...] about Google’s Gmail blocked in China
Facebook to launch China site with Baidu
Facebook has signed an agreement with Chinese search engine giant Baidu to set up a new social networking site in China, a leading web portal reported Monday. The agreement follows several meetings between Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Baidu's chief executive Robin Li, it added, and comes amid reports the US social networking giant is eyeing a move into mainland China. Baidu spokesman Kaiser Kuo refused to comment when contacted by AFP, and the Sohu report was later taken off the website. Facebook downplayed the report as rumor upon which it would not comment. "We are currently studying and learning about China, as part of evaluating any possible approaches that could benefit our users, developers and advertisers," Facebook spokesperson Debbie Frost said in response to an AFP inquiry. Facebook said in February it had opened a Hong Kong office, its third in Asia, while Zuckerberg visited China in December, prompting suggestions that Beijing may eventually welcome … [Read more...] about Facebook to launch China site with Baidu
Network congestion blocks online Tet ticket sales
Network congestion blocks the sale of online train tickets every year, with thousands trying to access the website of Saigon Railway Station to pre-book tickets for the Tet holiday season. This year at 8am on December 10, the first day of sale of Tet tickets, the website of Saigon Railways Station … [Read more...] about Network congestion blocks online Tet ticket sales
Philippines to bid out disputed East Sea oil, gas blocks
The Philippines will offer three areas in the East Sea for oil and gas exploration on Tuesday, two of them in waters also claimed by China. Nido Petroleum Ltd of Australia, Spanish energy company Repsol, French gas and power firm GDF Suez and Italy's Eni are among 15 firms that have pre-qualified for the bids, although it is not clear if they will participate. … [Read more...] about Philippines to bid out disputed East Sea oil, gas blocks