The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee is encouraging Team USA to use disposable or “burner” phones instead of bringing their own devices to China, because of possible surveillance during the Games that begin Feb. 4.

The guidance was set out in an advisory document in September and a bulletin in December. The bulletin said to plan that “every device, communication, transaction and online activity may be monitored. Your device(s) may also be compromised with malicious software, which could negatively impact future use.”…

Using temporary phones could complicate athletes’ efforts to stay in touch with family and friends – who are barred from attending the Games alongside them, due to a ban on overseas spectators. It could also make it more difficult for athletes to promote themselves and their accomplishments on social media, which is one of their most important tools in obtaining and maintaining endorsement deals.