China is loosening its censorship grip, at least, a little. According to a report from South China Morning Post, the ban on a number of globally popular social and news services have been lifted in the special Shanghai Free Trade Zone.

Sources from the Chinese government explain that Twitter, Facebook and The New York Times are all accessible in that area now.

The goal here is to make western visitors feel more welcome. While this may not spark a country wide lift on the ban, this is still nonetheless a huge step. [South China Morning Post via QZ]