ALBAWABA - China has strengthened its internet surveillance this week, blocking access to numerous popular websites such as Google and Facebook. This move coincides with the annual session of the Chinese parliament.
Beijing closely monitors media and the internet, prohibiting access to content that criticizes state policies or has the potential to incite disturbances.
As a result, many websites, including Google and YouTube, as well as foreign social media applications like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, are inaccessible in China. Accessing these platforms requires the use of circumvention tools such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). China tightens internet restrictions.
Chinese authorities tighten restrictions during sensitive dates and events, and the ongoing annual parliamentary session in Beijing is no exception.
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Astrill, a provider of VPN services in China, stated that internet surveillance intensified during this period, rendering some circumvention tools ineffective.
The Liechtenstein-based company affirmed that they are working diligently to restore all services to their normal state.
Using VPNs or any other tool to access banned websites without official permission is illegal in China.
Some employees of government media and Chinese diplomats, particularly utilize VPNs to publish content on the blocked social media platform, Twitter, formerly inaccessible in China. The annual parliamentary session commenced last Monday in Beijing, during which China aims to prevent the spread of any news that might impact this significant meeting.
Beijing has deployed numerous police officers and volunteers to enhance surveillance in the streets of the Chinese capital, intensifying inspection operations. In a speech delivered last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of strengthening the country's control and security over the internet.
