Chinese Authorities appear to have lifted some of the internet restrictions for journalists covering the games after holding talks with the International Olympic Committee yesterday.

Journalist are now able to access websites such as, "Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the BBC's Chinese service", according to Bloomberg.

Beijing Olympic organizing committee spokesman Sun Weide said that, "Beijing organizers will honour the promise to the IOC to provide sufficient access'' and that "at the moment the channel for reporters to use the Internet is fully open.''

On 17 July IOC President Jacques Rogge said that there would be no censorship of the Internet during the Olympics. However, earlier this week China decided to censor sites such as Amnesty International or any sites with "Tibet" in the address. According to China these sites "propagated information'' banned under Chinese law.

Sophie Peer, China campaign coordinator for Amnesty International, said that is was rare that Chinese Government "changes its policy over media issues".

Despite this easing of restrictions, blocking still remains for sites such as "Free Tibet".

Chinese President Hu Jintao said in a rare interview with foreign reporters on Friday, "We also hope you will provide objective and impartial coverage of what you see here so that your report can enhance the communication and understanding between Chinese people and people from other parts of the world."

Source: BBC and Bloomberg

See also:

Thousands Protest China's Press Freedom Violations
China: Internet restrictions for jounalists at Beijing