China to Permit Athlete Blogging at Beijing Olympics

China’s backing of inaction against Sudan hasn’t left the Olympics untouched – Steven Spielberg, a former artistic consultant for the Beijing Olympics, decided to sever his ties with the Games in protest against China’s backing of the regime. To add to this, athletes from several countries have set up a Team Darfur to protest against what is happening in the region, including China’s support of inaction against the government.

Now, BBC is reporting that the IOC, worried that athletes might use blogging as a forum to stir up dust, has permitted athletes to write blogs about their experiences, provided these are “dignified in tone,” and in “good taste.” No rabble rousing allowed. Athletes will also not be permitted to post any audio or visual footage of the games themselves.

Unofficial blogs by Olympians are nothing new – they date back to the Athens Games. The recent gagging of British athletes by their Olympic Association has probably forced the IOC to make sure athletes at the Games don’t use blogs as a form of protest against China.