More cooperation with government spies by a big Western brand. Skype says its Hong Kong-based partner has fixed the security issue, adding that the notion that China "might be monitoring communications in and out of the country shouldn't surprise anyone." Partner company TOM Group says, "as a Chinese company, we adhere to rules and regulations in China where we operate our businesses."

You don't have to be a political dissident to worry about the possible implications of such snooping. Sensitive business information and personal data could be at risk, too. That presents businesses -- and perhaps shareholders -- with some tough questions.

Previously: "[I]f the cost of doing business involves truckling to censorship to placate a repressive regime, the price may be too high."

Or not, says Dignan: "Privacy is the cost of doing business there. In an ideal world, that cost would be too high. But apparently the rewards eclipse the costs for now."