Restrictions on social media are reportedly set to take place during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
The Internet figuratively went on fire on early Monday following reports that various social media outlets would be restricted from the Russian Olympic Games.
Russian media reported journalists attending the Sochi Olympics could be removed immediately if they violated rules pertaining to images taken by smartphones, tablets, or handheld cameras. Specifically, the images have to be uploaded on Instagram, Twitter, or Vine.
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The alleged statement came from Vasily Konov, editor of RIA Novosti subsidiary R-sport, during a talk with a group of sports journalists. Kanov reportedly said any journalist who is found violating multimedia rules could have their accreditation canceled.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesperson Mark Adams issued a comment regarding the alleged social media restrictions.
"Accredited media may freely [utilize] social media platforms or websites for bona fide reporting purposes," wrote Adams in an e-mail to USA Today's For The Win. "Photos taken by accredited photographers may be published for editorial purposes on social media platforms or websites in accordance with the Photographers Undertaking."
According to Capital New York's Alex Weprin, the London 2012 Summer Olympics had a similar media rule.
The IOC rule stated, "Participants and other accredited persons cannot post any video and/or audio of the events, competitions or any other activities which occur at Olympic Venues. Such video and/or audio must only be for personal use and must not be uploaded and/or shared to a posting, blog or tweet on any social media platforms, or to a website."
Meanwhile, The Guardian reported on documents found in October revealing communications by journalists and non-journalists will be monitored via telephone and Internet.
The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia are set to begin on Feb. 7 and end Feb. 24, featuring 98 events in 15 sports. The Sochi Olympics are the first Olympic games for Russia since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
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