Intellectual Property Law

Reporters Sandbagged by Chinese Government

By Cynthia Brumfield

Despite repeated promises that it would permit foreign news media unfettered access to the Internet during the Olympics, the Chinese government has blocked press access to web sites that it deems inflammatory. Even worse, the International Olympics Committee agreed to this sandbagging.

Less than two weeks after reassuring the 20,000 journalists covering the games that they would have the freedom to visit any Internet site desired -- something Chinese citizens don't have -- the IOC "negotiated with the Chinese that some sensitive sites would be blocked on the basis they were not considered Games related," spokesman Kevin Gosper said. That position stands in start contrast with IOC President Jacques Rogge's statement two weeks ago that "For the first time, foreign media will be able to report freely and publish their work freely in China. There will be no censorship on the Internet."

Reporters Without Borders has condemned the IOC's acquiescence to the Chinese government's demands and criticizes China's "cynicism" in thinking that it could simply retract a promise and get away with it.

But the bad news doesn't end there.

U.S. Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Jim Bunning (R-KY) say the government ordered foreign-owned hotels to install monitoring equipment to track the Internet activity of their guests. Brownback and Bunning have introduced a resolution calling on the Chinese government to suspend these censorship and spying plans.

So much for the spirit of international cooperation and good sportsmanship.

Full post as published by IP Democracy on July 31, 2008 (boomark / email).