China limits internet access

The Chinese authorities will keep the lid on some websites during the Olympic Games. The IOC President today said he had been notified by Chinese authorities about these blockages. He said his job was to ensure that foreign journalists could report on the Games and anything beyond that is a matter for the Chinese authorities. Journalists in the main Olympic press center in Beijing are already noticing which websites are accessible. Also reportedly blocked are sites like Amnesty International as well as sites of dissident groups. This Human Rights Watch spokesman says he’s not surprised by these developments, given China’s track record. Beijing relies on sophisticated technical means to block content and backs it up with strict laws. For its part the Beijing Organizing Committee is not apologizing and promises journalists will be able to access websites that they need to report and do their jobs.