Good luck with this idea, IOC. Recent announcements from the International Olympic Committee to try and limit athlete usage of Facebook and Twitter during the upcoming London Games so as not to impose on sponsors and media coverage rights will be about as challenging as running the 100 meter dash in 9 seconds flat. While the Olympics can impose certain restrictions on athletes (read: must wear team uniforms), limiting spectators from using smart phones will be virtually impossible.
In addition, athlete sponsors, many of whom use social media to promote their athletes and brands, will be limited as well if the social media rules are enforced. What’s caught the attention of the media however, is how on earth is the IOC going to enforce such rules?
Ironically, it appears that the IOC doesn’t think this will be so difficult. So far, they are just telling people not to use their smartphones. LOL.
While protecting media rights and sponsorship rights is important, the cat’s already out of the bag in this day and age with consumer content becoming the norm. Attempts to limit this rather than embracing and spreading the message of what’s taking shape during the Olympics, in the long run, hurts the Olympic Games and adds to the reputation that the Olympics are simply out of touch. Yet again.
