The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics already have controversy from a more technological side. As each reported by Dutch newspapers De Volkskrant and English TelegraphBoth the Netherlands and the UK have asked their Olympic athletes not to bring their phones and computers to China.

As the Dutch newspaper Geert Slot, of the Dutch Olympic Committee, explained that “cybersecurity is part of the risk assessment carried out for travel to China” and as a result, “members of the Dutch team will equipped with unused devices, to protect your personal data from Chinese surveillance“.

Suspicion of Chinese espionage creeps into the Olympic spirit

Apart from the Dutch team, from England they have also given similar recommendations to their athletes. This event will be held in Beijing during February and the UK has warned that they are not traveling with their personal devices while they are in China.

A report obtained by The Telegraph explains that the British Olympic Association (BOA) give athletes a new device to keep them connected, but do not compromise your personal data. It is unknown at this time whether these smartphones and computers will have additional security. It’s also convenient to reflect that if athletes use their social networks and accounts on these new devices, the potential risks are similar.

As explained GlassIn the past, the British Olympic Committee has offered smartphones and computers to those in need, but more as an aid than an alternative. This is first time a firm recommendation is made not to travel with personal devices.

Image | Beijing 2022
Via | Mixx.io