01 August 2008

Beware: Beijing hotels in spyware shocker

As athletes wait for the smog to clear over the Olympic city, reports suggest that another dark cloud of controversy is looming.

Chinese authorities have demanded that Beijing hotels, under the threat of severe penalties, install spyware on hotel guest communications.

It means all internet and communications activities of the anticipated 10,000 accredited media, another 5,000 unaccredited media, as well as international visitors, will be monitored by the Chinese Public Security Bureau.

The Chinese have also blocked websites of news organisations, including Radio Free Asia (www.rfa.org) and those reporting on Tibet and the Falun Gong movement.

US senator Sam Brownback has been reported as saying that international hotel chains had contacted him concerned about being forced to install the spy system.

ââ¬ÅâœThe Chinese government has put in place a system to spy on and gather information about every guest at hotels where Olympic visitors are staying,ââ¬~ he said.

Brownback called the move ââ¬Åâœinvasive intelligence gatheringââ¬~.

A Report by The Mole

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