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| | Cultural sensitivity is important when creating Web content to avoid using words and images that might be offensive to various cultures around the world.
When you write information or create graphics for the Web, it is important to remember that the words and images you develop might be read by people from cultures different than your own — both in other countries and within your own country. Some information and graphics might cause minor offense, while others could have major consequences. Here are a few examples of content you should avoid: |
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- Taiwan, Macao, and Hong Kong
China is sensitive to references to Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macao that suggest that they are countries. China is also sensitive to the use of the terms "Republic of China" and "R.O.C" in any references to Taiwan. See the Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao page for more information.
- National flags and maps
Do not display national flags or maps, especially those depicting national borders. This is for a variety of legal reasons, including The Paris Convention, which explicitly prohibits the use of country flags as trademarks. The use of a country's flag could be taken to falsely imply express approval, authorization, sponsorship, or affiliation with that country. Some countries are particularly sensitive about how and in what context their flag is displayed. International misunderstandings based on border representations and other inaccuracies can and have had major implications for companies that have used maps.
- Graphics and icons
There is a fundamental rule to keep in mind while designing international icons: icons are not universal. Pictures and symbols create powerful and different associations in each culture and context.
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Continue to References to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao
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