China reneges on 'open' pledge

by Jacquelin Magnay, Beijing 

CHINA'S vow to open itself to the world through the Olympic Games was in tatters last night.

It limited access to websites and implemented a plan to spy on the web usage of hotel guests — prompting an apology from the International Olympic Committee.

IOC probes China 'censorship'

The International Olympic Committee is looking into reports of internet censorship for journalists covering the Olympics.

Senior IOC member Kevan Gosper apologised to the world's media for misleading them about access to the internet.

Mr Gosper revealed that "some IOC officials had negotiated with the Chinese to have some sensitive sites blocked". Mr Gosper said he had been unaware of the deal while telling the world's media for months they would have unfettered freedom to report while in China.

http://www.theage.com.au/world/china-reneges-on-open-pledge-20080730-3nh6.html