It seems the Olympic authorities are attempting something of which broadsheet editors, and their learned allies, could only dream: censoring bloggers and tweeters in order to protect their interests. Anyone accredited at the games will be bound by these rules regarding social media:

“…any such postings, blogs or tweets must be in a first-person, diary-type format and should not be in the role of a journalist – i.e. they must not report on competition or comment on the activities of other participants or accredited persons, or disclose any information which is confidential or private in relation to any other person or organisation. A tweet is regarded in this respect as a short blog and the same guidelines are in effect, again, in first-person, diary-type format.

Postings, blogs and tweets should at all times conform to the Olympic spirit and fundamental principles of Olympism as contained in the Olympic Charter, be dignified and in good taste, and not contain vulgar or obscene words or images.”

The IOC clearly learnt a lot in China…