China blocks websites as Internet conference begins

BEIJING (AP) — An Internet service company says Chinese censors have newly blocked access to several popular websites as they target content delivery networks that serve much of the Internet.

The action comes as China hosts the World Internet Conference, which brings together many of the world’s top technology companies.

U.S. company EdgeCast says censors have taken down several networks that provide local servers to help speed website performance. EdgeCast’s clients include software company Mozilla, publishing company The Atlantic and content management system Drupal.

The online activist group Greatfire.org said Wednesday that it was the target of the Chinese action, which blocked many other sites that use EdgeCast. The group enables Chinese Internet users to access websites otherwise blocked by Chinese censors. EdgeCast did not confirm Greatfire.org’s statement.