International Olympic Committee Allows China to Censor Web
During the build-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics earlier this summer, it was revealed that China had plans to maintain its censorship of the Internet during the games, stepping away from earlier pledges of "complete freedom" of surfing for journalists. Now, with the Opening Ceremonies just over a week away, the full implications of censorship are becoming apparent as media arrive on the scene and begin discovering the sites that they can, and more importantly can't, access.Media are being blocked from accessing the site of Amnesty International, the international human rights organization that recently published a report reminding everyone of China's less than stellar record when it comes to human rights. Media are also prevented from accessing the site of Falun Gong, which according to a Chinese spokesperson is "an evil, fake religion which has been banned by the Chinese government."
Any way you look at it, it's going to be an interesting Games -- we just hope between the reports on censorship, human rights and pollution, people don't forget to report on the athletes from time to time! [Source: Yahoo! News]
