Microsoft encountered criticism for censoring Chinese blogs. The censorship involved Microsoft's MSN service, in which Chinese bloggers were blocked from using such words as "demonstration", "democracy, "human rights", and "freedom". Scrutineers labeled the company's actions as giving concessions to the Chinese government, while Microsoft defended itself by saying that it will abide by all laws of the countries in which it operates.

President Obama announced that the US would immediately end the deportation of illegal immigrants who came to the country as children. The declaration means that illegal immigrants between the ages of sixteen and thirty would be eligible for work permits and could effect up to 800,000 people. Obama stated the move was the right thing to do, while Republican opponent Mitt Romney stated that it was not the correct way to address the issue.