Journalists covering the Olympics in Beijing ought to consider using virtual private networks and avoiding the use of instant messenger to interview subjects for stories, says Rebecca MacKinnon, CNN's former Beijing bureau chief and University of Hong Kong new media professor.

"If you are trying to work on sensitive stories that may be beyond topics that perhaps the Chinese government might be happy about you reporting, if you’re communicating with sources who might be under surveillance, you need to make sure that you’re using secure e-mail and that you’re using a secure internet connection," she says.

Thousands of journalists from around the globe are parachuting into Beijing this August to cover the Olympic Games, which begin on a day the Chinese consider auspicious: 08,08,2008. Reuters is reporting that the authorities in Beijing are continuing to renege on their Olympic bid promise to allow wider access to information online and greater press freedom.

MacKinnon made her remarks in a YouTube video made by veteran journalist and former International Herald Tribune correspondent Thomas Crampton.

Among her tips:

Try using Witopia to secure your wireless communications.

Try using Tor to prevent ithe Chinese government from snooping on your online activities.

Interview people in person.

Be extra vigilant about not misquoting your Chinese sources – it could put them at risk.

Any other recommendations from our readers, or evaluation of MacKinnon's advice?

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