The Top 5 Apps Blocked in China and How to Access Them
China’s Great Firewall is one of the world’s most extensive and sophisticated internet censorship systems. It can block content ranging from social media platforms to communication apps and search engines. With over 900 million internet users, China’s online censorship regime has made it challenging for people to access foreign-run apps and sites. Here are the top five apps that are blocked in China and how to access them.
1. Google
Google is the world’s leading search engine, but it’s been blocked in China since 2010. This block has made it difficult for Chinese internet users to find information on topics ranging from politics to cultural events. To access Google in China, you will need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass the country’s internet restrictions.
2. Facebook
Facebook is the world’s leading social media platform, but like Google, it’s blocked in China. Despite the ban, some users in Mainland China still access Facebook using VPNs and other circumvention tools. However, the Chinese government has made it difficult for users to access these tools, and the consequences for being caught using them can be severe.
3. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app worldwide, but it’s also blocked in China. The app has been unavailable in the country since 2017. Chinese authorities have cited security concerns for the ban. To access WhatsApp, you will need to use a VPN or other proxy server. However, you need to ensure that the VPN you use is reliable and has no data logging practices since the Chinese authorities could be tracking user data.
4. Instagram
Instagram has become increasingly popular worldwide, but it’s also blocked in China. However, Instagram’s Chinese counterpart, Douyin is available in the country. Unlike Instagram, Douyin is strictly censored and only accessible using a China-based mobile phone number, which many users use to register and verify their user accounts.
5. YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing platform owned by Google, and like Google, it’s been blocked in China since 2009. Despite the restrictions, many Chinese users still access YouTube using VPNs. However, the Chinese government increased efforts to block technological tools for circumvention in recent years.
In conclusion, accessing foreign apps and sites in China is a challenge, and users need to understand the complexities of the country’s internet censorship system. Users that want to access these blocked apps should ensure they use the appropriate methods, such as reliable VPNs, proxy servers or apps that work using the HTTP protocol to bypass the Great Firewall. It’s essential to conduct research and choose the appropriate workaround depending on what you want to access.
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