(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/kupicoo)
Many people know about China’s strict internet controls, commonly called the Great Firewall, and in the past virtual private networks (VPNs) were a common way to access blocked sites. Recently, however, residents of Xinjiang, a northwestern Chinese region, have had their mobile service suspended after using VPNs to bypass government filters.
Xinjiang is no stranger to internet crackdowns, and was targeted during riots in 2009
For outsiders it can be difficult to grasp how limiting national internet restrictions can be. Chinese users who only rely on domestic services learn to use state-sanctioned alternatives, but those seeking unregulated information or international platforms often turn to VPNs. Using a VPN in China is increasingly risky: authorities view it as a tool to evade national controls.
One resident of Urumqi, the regional capital, received a text message stating: “Due to police notice, we will shut down your cellphone number within the next two hours in accordance with the law.” The message instructed the recipient to contact the local cyberpolice to restore service.
When the woman called the police she was told that suspensions targeted users who had not linked their national identification to their mobile account, those who used VPNs to circumvent internet filtering, or users who downloaded foreign messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram. To reactivate a suspended number, the affected person must visit or otherwise consult with police.
We will shut down your cellphone number within the next two hours in accordance with the law
Xinjiang has experienced prolonged internet restrictions before. Following the 2009 riots, the region endured nearly six months of severely limited connectivity. Extended shutdowns affect everyday life and commerce: people cannot easily communicate with family abroad, and businesses that depend on online services face disruption and loss.
The scale of the recent measures remains uncertain. Reports mention queues of more than 20 people at some police stations waiting to have services restored, but official figures are unavailable. Observers are watching to see whether similar enforcement will spread to other regions across China.
Earlier this year, China’s telecom regulator announced tighter identity checks for mobile services: from September 1, all new SIM cards must be registered with verified ID information to reduce the number of anonymous or untraceable accounts. China Mobile, the country’s largest operator, disclosed in January that it still had nearly 130 million unverified accounts—about 16 percent of its total—which regulators aim to eliminate.
What do you think about China’s decision to cut off access to VPN users? Share your thoughts in the comments.