The first page of a newspaper is “prime” real estate. It’s where the most important stories are often found. That’s why it’s helpful to understand what’s behind those stories – because they matter.

Here’s some background on a “prime” story this week.

Feb. 8-12, 2010

GOOGLE AND CHINA

Our government is now getting involved in the dispute between Google and China.
In January, the world’s largest search engine announced publicly that its systems had been hacked into and the source of the intrusion was China. Not only were more than 30 large technical, defense, and media companies affected, but also the Gmail accounts of human-rights activists.

So significant was the attack that Google has threatened to shut down its operations in China if the government continued to censor its search engine. Although that issue is still unresolved, Google approached the National Security Administration after the attacks. And now the world’s most powerful electronic-surveillance organization is on the case.

The collaboration team stressed that individuals’ privacy rights would be protected and that this deal does not mean the NSA will be viewing users’ searches or e-mail accounts.

The Director of National Intelligence called the Google attacks “a wake-up call.” And he added that the protection of cyberspace must be a collaborative effort. Other analysts say that the implication of this issue is huge for the world’s economy and global relations.

How do you think this Google affair will affect your personal e-mails? What do you think about government involvement in the protection of cyberspace?

What to watch for:
· The actions of the newly-developed partnership between Google and the NSA
· How users of Google are being reassured about their privacy protection
· The big picture issues here for China: China's drive for modernity and its attempt to control information
· Human rights activists’ reactions
· Any news blurbs about China that come to your Google home page

Here are today's "prime" news stories. Are any of these mentioned in your news today?