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.
“The Chinese government has put in place a system to spy on and gather information about every guest at hotels where Olympic visitors are staying,†he said.
Brownback called the move “invasive intelligence gatheringâ€.
A Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive