166: accessing information in China

A very interesting story about the spread of information today. The BBC news website reports that it has just become accessible to (potential) readers in China, having been blocked for many years. No official announcement has been made regarding the relaxation of internet restrictions, but the Chinese government has said for some time that news reporting - particularly by foreign correspondents - would be made easier in the run-up to the Olympics this summer. But, if this dismantling of the great firewall of China continues beyond the Olympics it could be very significant indeed, unleashing the power of the web across the country - with all the benefits that entails, such as enabling the sharing of knowledge, facilitating enterprise and innovation, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Definitely one to watch.

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As an aside, I know that Reasons to be Hopeful has been blocked in China until now (though not in Hong Kong, for example). If anyone gets access from the Chinese mainland, please let me know! Thanks.