When Iranian authorities refused to allow western journalists into the country following the controversial 2009 presidential election, many were worried that news of the Iranian citizens’ protests would never escape the streets of Tehran.

By silencing the media, the Iranian government hoped to, in turn, silence the voice of the nation. However, many Iranians began using social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook to vocalize their protests. Though the oppressive Iranian regime attempted to muzzle the collective voice of its people, citizens refused to give into such blatant censorship.

Censorship has long been a favorite method of oppression. By cutting off access to the outside world, many governments hope to control every bit of information their citizens receive.

Google came under fire in 2006 when it launched Google China (google.cn), primarily because the Chinese government insisted that the multi-billion dollar company adhere to the country’s strict censorship laws. With over 340 million daily Internet users, China provided Google with a tempting opportunity for expansion.

Yet it soon became clear that censorship was not the only problem that Google.cn would face. Two months ago, Chinese hackers attacked the Web site, gathering information which revealed who had visited which Web sites. This breach compromised the safety of many Chinese citizens, and Google was forced to take action.

On Tuesday, Google announced that it would be shutting down Google.cn, and visitors to the site would be rerouted to Google Hong Kong (google.hk), which allows users to search the web without censorship.

This was a brilliant move by Google because now the Chinese government itself must determine whether or not to block access to the site altogether. If the government chooses to do so, there will no doubt be enormous backlash from the public, as Google quickly became China’s second most heavily trafficked search engine.

Until now, China has been able to avoid negative publicity in the business sector. Investing in the booming Chinese economy is still seen by most as a wise decision. However, Google’s strong stance against the meddling Chinese government and censorship could send a powerful message to other companies.

While there is little doubt that China’s economy will continue to grow, western corporations could be less likely to invest in a country that refuses to recognize basic human rights. As more western citizens become aware of the oppression taking place in China, companies will think twice about working with China. In fact, prior to Google’s pullout, Levi-Strauss confronted the Chinese government’s “pervasive violation of human rights.”

Still, China’s cheap exports and labor are very enticing to companies who wish to grow on the international market. Many companies will continue to do business in China regardless of the government’s stance on human rights. This is irresponsible of the companies, and those who choose to do so should have to answer for their actions. It is up to the consumer to be vigilant about company practices. With enough pressure from the public, real social change can take place.

With the current state of the economy, businesses simply cannot afford to lose consumers. In their weakened state, these companies will be more likely to respond to consumers’ actions, such as decreased purchasing or even boycotts.

When the companies themselves become wary of investing in China, the Chinese government will be forced to take action. China is not satisfied with slow fiscal growth. It is looking to rapidly expand until it is the world’s top economic power. Without the support of western companies, it cannot possibly hope to do so.

By starting at the grassroots level, consumers can work to make a difference in the way western companies view human rights. Too often, average citizens believe they have no influence on such lofty matters as the world economy. Yet by taking proactive steps to avoid companies who abuse human rights, individuals can truly have an impact on the investment practices of multi-national corporations.

After the 2009 Iranian election protests, millions of Americans realized exactly how important a powerful voice can be. The Iranians worked hard to ensure their message was heard. Westerners cannot afford to sit back as millions are subjected to censorship. Rather than asking, “How can we possibly make a difference?” Americans should be asking, “How can we possibly afford not to?”

Kenzi Green is a sophomore majoring in communication studies and political science.