OpenNet to Closely Monitor Chinese Internet Filtering

By: Jillian C. York on 31 July 2008
Posted in China, Asia, Political filtering

Seven years ago, during China's bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the Chinese government promised the International Olympic Committee (IOC) a more open China, with unfettered Internet access for foreign journalists being used as a prime example of China's commitment to openness.

Observers of China's Internet filtering practices have long been anticipating how China would fulfill those promises to the IOC. The options were few and clear:
1. China would open the Internet during the Olympic period
2. An open enclave for foreign journalists would be created
3. China would break its promise

Unsurprisingly, China has so far not honored its promises. Not only do the government's monitors continue to filter hundreds of sites; the press center for foreign journalists offers the same filtered version of the Internet.

With opening day of the Games only a week away and more web sites become accessible,OpenNet will continue to monitor China’s filtering practices. In particular, we will monitor Olympic coverage to examine how coverage within China differs from that accessible from outside the country.

For up-to-date coverage of China’s filtering practices, during the Olympics and beyond, check OpenNet’s China page frequently.