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<\/p>\nChina\u2019s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued a notice on Sunday that it will strictly contain the unapproved use of virtual private networks (VPNs) by Chinese firms. Many Chinese internet users are concerned about the announcement and fear that it will further close off China\u2019s internet from the rest of the world.<\/p>\n
By Manya Koetse
\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bJanuary 23, 2017<\/p>\n
In the \u201cNotice of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Clearing the Internet Market of Network Access Services\u201d (\u201c\u5de5\u4e1a\u548c\u4fe1\u606f\u5316\u90e8\u5173\u4e8e\u6e05\u7406\u89c4\u8303\u4e92\u8054\u7f51\u7f51\u7edc\u63a5\u5165\u670d\u52a1\u5e02\u573a\u7684\u901a\u77e5\u201c), the Ministry stated on January 22 that it will tighten control over Virtual Private Networks (VPN \u865a\u62df\u4e13\u7528\u7f51\u7edc) often used within China to access websites blocked by the \u2018Golden Shield Project\u2019 (better known as the \u2018Great Firewall of China\u2019).<\/p>\n
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The announcement says that authorities will start strengthening control over companies in the areas of Content Delivery Networks (CDN), Internet Data Centers (IDC) and Internet Service Providers (ISP), and that it will \u201cput an end to illegal business activities,\u201d which entails the unauthorized use of VPNs. The measurement is implemented to \u201cpromote the healthy and orderly development of the Internet industry.\u201d Companies will be able to apply for approval to set up or rent special internet connections for \u2018cross-border operations\u2019, but those without official approval will be barred from using VPNs.<\/p>\n
The crack down on unauthorized internet connections, which will make most VPN service providers in China illegal, will last until March 31, 2018. On Weibo, media outlets like China News used an image of pandas attempting to climb over a fence to reinforce the message.<\/p>\n
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Reactions on Chinese social media vary, with many netizens making sarcastic comments about the news. \u201cWouldn\u2019t it just be better to cut off all Internet and shut down further contact with foreign countries?\u201d some say.<\/p>\n
Many others also comment: \u201cWithout a VPN, how can we now go on Facebook to show our patriotism and love for China?\u201d
But there are also those who are confused on what the new regulations will mean for individuals, and many who are worried as they fear it will widen the gap between China and the rest of the world: \u201cThey will first restrict companies, then they will restrict individuals \u2013 it goes step by step.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are we not allowed to browse foreign websites in the first place?\u201d another commenter wonders: \u201cI simply don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to a Shanghai-based IT expert quoted by Chinese state media, the crack down is needed to battle \u201cillegal activities.\u201d He told Global Times: \u201cSome multinational companies in China such as Microsoft Corp have a reasonable need to communicate with their headquarters overseas via VPNs, but some corporations or individuals browse overseas Internet pages out of illegal motivations. In this regard, the new rules are extremely important.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some internet users from Xinjiang are especially concerned. For people from the region of Xinjiang in the northeast of China, home to the majority of Chinese muslims, the control on information flows is extra strict as the area has a history of social unrest. \u201cI am from Xinjiang and I have to use a VPN to access most of my apps, like Xiami Music, Baidu Cloud or the Changba (music) app. Without a VPN, what else is there left to do on my phone?\u201d, one commenter wonders.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s up with that?\u201d others ask: \u201cI had a friend from Xinjiang coming over to Shenzhen recently, and although he has a 4G phone card he could not access it. When we called the information line we finally understood that nobody from Xinjiang can use 4G on their phones.\u201d Another person comments: \u201cThis something that is often underestimated, but there are even walls within the Great Firewall of China.\u201d<\/p>\n
Besides worry, many people express their sadness over the stricter control of China\u2019s internet. They post crying emoticons, writing: \u201cHas our VPN era come to an end?\u201d One person says: \u201cThis gives me a headache. If you have experienced the internet freedom of the 1990s, you\u2019d understand how much this grieves me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Apart from those who worry, there is also a large group of Weibo users who are not too concerned about the new regulations for now. \u201cDid nobody read the original text? This is about companies!\u201d, one person said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy should we want to use foreign websites when we have our own sites like Weibo or Youku?\u201d, some say.<\/p>\n
Many others have never used a VPN to \u2018climb over\u2019 the Great Firewall of China. \u201cI don\u2019t even know what a VPN is,\u201d some commenters say.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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