After the backlash resulting from its shuttering the blog of a well-known Chinese journalist, Microsoft has revamped its policies for shutting down MSN Spaces blogs, reports the Associated Press. The company said if it is compelled by local laws to ban content, it would nevertheless make that content available to users elsewhere - and promised to provide clear notice of the reasons for the shutdown.

"Some of this, I think, we just have to recognize is evolving technology and changing law," said Brad Smith, Microsoft's top lawyer. He said Microsoft hopes for more formal policies in the industry regarding censorship requests from governments.

Microsoft rivals, such as Google and Yahoo, have also dealt with criticism for censorship in various countries.