Beijing Olympics Bubble Offers Rare, Temporary Oasis of Media Freedom
Journalists at the Beijing Olympics have a tough assignment. Not only do they face a vast number of pandemic-related restrictions, they also will be working in one of the world's least friendly countries for media.
Amid concerns about China's surveillance and mistreatment of the press, many journalists at the Winter Games tell VOA they are using "burner" devices, such as phones and laptops completely wiped of personal data, to protect their digital privacy.
"I set up a burner computer... I have a burner phone. I even have a burner iPad with me," said James Griffiths, Asia Correspondent for The Globe and Mail, a Canadian newspaper. "I haven't come across anyone who isn't using at least some kind of burner device."
