NEW YORK — A human rights group launched a campaign Thursday against Yahoo Inc. on grounds the U.S. search company assisted China’s communist government with torture by revealing information that led to the arrest of dissidents.

The World Organization for Human Rights USA said businesses that operate abroad need to be more aware of their responsibilities.

“They should not be participating actively in promoting and encouraging major human rights abuses,” said Morton Sklar, executive director for the Washington, D.C.-based organization.

Yahoo has acknowledged turning over data on its users at the request of the Chinese government, saying company employees face civil and criminal sanctions if they ignore local laws.

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