China cracks down on instant messaging services

The Chinese government have tightened their grip on social media to stamp out ‘rumours’ and ‘harmful’ material online by passing new rules requiring organisations and companies as well as celebrities to use their real name before using WeChat (or Weixin as it’s known in China), and other IM service providers. And those who don’t abide, are for the chop! Yes, sadly the political views of Chinese netizens are not welcome in the People’s Republic of China.

Those with other public accounts who want to share political news will need prior approval before publishing it.  The Xinhua News Agency told The Economic Times that new account holders “would need to sign a contract promising to “obey the law and uphold the socialist system.”  For the time being, it looks like the new rules don’t apply to instant messaging between WeChat users.  Of course, this new rule has nothing to do with controlling and blocking their right to freedom of expression and a free, open and internet. No, nothing at all…


According to Xinhua news, those who want to use WeChat to share political news will have to hand over their real ID, and go through a background check before they can gain access to it.
But it’s not all bad news, – they can still use their nickname – err yeah, great, I’m sure that will make their day!

This news has rightly angered many social media users who do not see this new regulation as a means to “clean up the online environment and rein in rumormongers.” Murong Xuecun, a popular Chinese blogger told The New York Times “The real reason is there’s lots more freedom of speech and public information online these days, and that’s a fatal blow to a regime built on lies.”

There are almost 400 million active WeChat users, who use it to not only chat online, and share political news and information, but use it to text, play games and make mobile payments.  China clearly sees social media as an enormous threat to its dictatorial regime and is determined to stamp out ‘harmful’ content.  According to Public Radio International The State Internet Information Office only want to “further promote the healthy and orderly development of public information services, protect the legitimate rights and interests of citizens, legal persons and other organizations, and safeguard national security and public interests.” Yes, of course, they do…!

Fortunately many internet users in China have found ways to circumvent blocks placed on websites, by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network.) When you connect to VPN server, you’re given a new IP address, that allows you to surf the net safe in the knowledge that your government cannot spy on your online activity.

If you are planning a business trip to China, bear in mind that you will not be able to access some of the internets most popular websites, including Google, Facebook, YouTube, Dropbox, and Twitter. However, there is a way around this, and that’s to use HMA! Pro VPN – (yes, shameless plug.)  I recommend that you purchase it and get it set up on your device, iPhone, Mac, Android, PC, etc. before you arrive in China to make sure everything is working perfectly.

VPNs give Chinese netizens access to a free and open internet, so they can read other articles rather than dreary pro-government material, and access social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.  Spread the word to your friends living in China, and help them bypass government censorship using HMA! Pro VPN.  Feel free to give them our email address info@hidemyass.com and a member of our support team will assist them.

Whether you live in China or other countries such as Russia or Turkey whose governments decide what information you can access or what you can post online, it’s great to know that HMA! Pro VPN is here to help you bypass these tyrannical internet dictators, and stupid blocks placed on your favourite websites.

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