Google services restored to users in China after weeks of disruption (Updated)

Update: Well that was brief…

Reuters is reporting that access to Google services like search, email, and maps have been restored to users in China after weeks of limited access.

The Google disruption began in the run-up to the 25th anniversary of the government’s bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators around Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

China maintains tight control over the Internet, nipping in the bud any signs of dissent or challenges to the ruling Communist Party’s leadership.

Reuters notes that Google has not officially commented on the service being restored to users, but several users reported being able to finally access the services again and Reuters reporters were able to do the same at least for now.

The service restoration, however, does not change social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Google’s YouTube, all of which have long been blocked in the nation.

The firewall blocking Google’s services was first implemented by the Chinese government at the start of June.