According to data from Techopedia, a source for IT education news, the use of VPNs in China increased by almost 100% last year. This is surprising, considering the country’s strict regulations on internet usage, including restrictions on overseas websites and online gaming.

The “Great Firewall” in China is a highly restrictive system for censoring the internet, blocking access to popular websites such as Instagram, Wikipedia, and YouTube, as well as major news outlets like VOA.

In China, the use of VPNs is prohibited as they enable individuals to bypass the “Great Firewall” and establish a secure connection to the internet from outside the country while concealing their IP address.

According to Rob Binns, a reporter from Techopedia, the increase in VPN usage in China could be attributed to the country’s stricter censorship regulations.

Binns stated in an interview with VOA that there is a growing trend of strategic and targeted online censorship, particularly in countries like China. He also noted that this trend is in contrast to the use of VPNs, which are often used to combat such censorship.

In 2021, regulations in China were implemented to restrict teenagers’ usage of video games to three hours per week. This time was specifically set from 8 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. In December of that same year, more strict limitations were introduced, including spending caps on video game platforms and the prohibition of rewards for daily logins.

According to Binns, these rules regarding underage individuals may specifically encourage the use of VPNs among Chinese citizens.

According to Binns, the younger generation, known for their proficiency in technology, is constantly searching for ways to bypass government restrictions and regulations. This may include using VPNs to evade such restrictions.

Experts suggest that virtual private networks (VPNs) give Chinese citizens the ability to freely discuss important political matters online without fear of reprisal from the government.

According to Kian Vesteinsson, a senior research analyst at the nonprofit organization Freedom House, circumvention tools such as VPNs allow individuals in China to access the internet globally. This includes spaces where they can freely express themselves without fear of censorship. In response to an email from VOA, Vesteinsson stated that during the nationwide protests in late 2022, many Chinese citizens utilized VPNs to bypass the Great Firewall and share their opinions on social media platforms that would otherwise be inaccessible.

According to Vesteinsson, the Chinese government’s strict regulation of internet usage is a response to the potential threat posed by the availability of a free and open internet.

According to Vesteinsson, the use of circumvention technology was a major factor in the recent challenge to CCP control, which is considered to be one of the most significant in many years. In response to the 2022 demonstrations, the CCP government took action by removing any mention of VPNs from the Chinese internet.

According to Vesteinsson, individuals who use banned VPNs may suffer serious repercussions, especially if they are part of a marginalized ethnic or religious group or attempt to view restricted content. The Chinese government also censors discussions about VPNs on social media platforms, hindering people from gaining knowledge about ways to bypass restrictions.

Experts predict that if China tightens its control even more, people may either start using VPNs more frequently or be hesitant to use them. This will ultimately depend on the approach China takes in strengthening its censorship policies.

“The specific details of the crackdown and its accompanying measures will determine the potential impact,” stated Antonia Hmaidi, a senior analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin, in an email to VOA. “China has effectively controlled its internet by not only instilling fear, but also implementing friction and excessive content.”

According to Hmaidi, China has the option of not taking strict measures but instead reducing the speed of connections to other countries. This would make the use of VPNs less convenient. Additionally, the country could also create a list of approved fast connections for companies.

Source: voanews.com