Google and Yahoo are being challenged in India because they display advertising for sex selection clinics. India banned the use of ultrasound for sex selection in 2002, along with advertising, as part of a push to protect girls. Although the two internet search giants do not display advertisements for Indian sex selection services, ads for services elsewhere do pop up. “It does not matter where the server or the clinic being advertised is. If an ad can be seen by opening a web page in India, it is banned,” contends lawyer A. Shenoy.

However, Google and Yahoo insist that the Act only bans advertising from clinics in India. “Yahoo! operates a global business and abides by relevant local laws and regulations,” its official spokesperson in India declared. Dr Sabu George, a veteran campaigner against sex selection, responds, “These portals break the law in India and get paid for it.” ~ Hindustan Times, Nov 20