China Tightens Controls on VPN Services as Users Seek Alternatives

Internet users in China say access to foreign websites has become more difficult in recent months as authorities increase restrictions on virtual private networks. One user who returned from Australia last year found that a VPN used during high school remained available but frequently lost connections.

The service allowed switching between routes through Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore when one stopped working.

A Hong Kong resident who travels regularly to mainland China said a popular VPN service suspended operations in April before resuming in May with no guarantee of availability. The resident switched to another service that continued to function. A U.S.-based analyst stated that telecommunications carriers received instructions in April to block VPN traffic on their networks.

Some users posted on social media that services they relied on had stopped working.

China began building its system of internet controls two decades ago to prevent access to websites and services the government considers inappropriate. The system blocks many foreign platforms and services. State-approved VPNs remain available but are subject to monitoring.

Research published this week found that years of enforcement have reduced the availability of unsanctioned services for ordinary users. Some users pay annual subscription fees of 350 yuan for paid services. The analyst noted that earlier free or low-cost options have largely disappeared due to enforcement actions.