China lifts internet firewall in time for Olympics

We read:

"China has opened crevices in the Great Firewall that blocks access to many internet sites, allowing the public to see some quarters of cyberspace that it has long blocked.

The lifting of some restrictions could end controversy that has marred the smooth run-up to the start of the Games after the disclosure that the International Olympic Committee and the Bocog games organisers had cut a deal that enabled censors to block sites deemed sensitive or harmful to national security. The issue had caused a major stir and created dissension within the top ranks of the IOC because the move reneged on previous pledges of full free access during the August 8-24 Games.

The IOC said it had pressed China in talks on Thursday to open up the internet to visiting journalists. "The issues were put on the table and the IOC requested that the Olympic Games hosts address them."

Already today users in China were able to reach the website of Amnesty International as well Reporters Without Borders and German broadcaster Deutsche Welle. The BBC's Chinese language website was also expected to become available. Blocks on the main BBC English site were lifted a few months ago after remaining in place in China for years.

Source

Update:

Conservative Australian cartoonist ZEG has just offered his take on the Chinese Olympic censorship issue.