The Great Firewall of China began blocking Yahoo Groups 7 MAR 2008. How long will they continue to censor it?

Question

Prior to 07 March 2008, Yahoo Groups in English was available on the internet in China. After that, the whole http://groups.yahoo.com website has been completely blocked, and not visible to local people, or foreigners traveling and staying in hotels in China. Does anyone at Yahoo or elsewhere know how much longer this will go on? Right now, Yahoo Groups is totally useless for anyone in China who depended upon Yahoo Groups to keep in touch with information and friends or loved ones. Will this blocking situation continue during Olympics? If so, anyone traveling there should not expect to use Yahoo Groups while in China. Is Yahoo going to do anything about this?

Answer 1

I just clicked on your link, I am in Shanghai and I had no problem, but that does not mean it will not change, : )

Answer 2

Apparently some of the groups posted things that were not in the interest of the government...such as separatist activities... etc. My guess is that the gov't will block any anti-government sites indefinitely. Less threatening sites will probably be blocked until the Olympics are well over with. Yahoo's hands are tied, this would be considered a national security measure.

Answer 3

From my experience, site block decision in china is quite casual...



It seems there is no formal procedures/policy in deciding which site to be blocked.

Answer 4

Its probably going to be blocked until the olympics are well over.

Answer 5

If any of us know the answer, we wouldn't be here anymore.