Chinese authorities have intensified their online surveillance, extending their scrutiny to not just those who post controversial content but also their followers. This crackdown reflects China's growing concern over dissent and its efforts to control digital spaces, according to Ziare.
Summoned for Police Questioning
Late last year, a Chinese student known as Duan (a pseudonym for anonymity) used a VPN to bypass China's strict internet censorship and access Discord, a platform banned in China.
On Discord, users discussed various political ideologies and organized simulated elections. Duan's interest in these discussions was sparked by the content of Yang Minghao, a prominent vlogger known online as MHYYY.
However, in July, Duan and several other Discord members were summoned for police questioning.
Duan was detained for 24 hours, interrogated about his connection with Yang, his use of a VPN, and his comments on Discord. Although he was released without charges, the incident has heightened concerns about the fate of Yang, who has not posted online since late July.
Heavily Regulated Internet
This event shows China's increasing severity in handling online dissent.
Maya Wang, Associate Director for China at Human Rights Watch, noted that such scrutiny of followers is unprecedented. China’s internet is heavily regulated, and laws prohibit the formation of online communities, especially those discussing politics.
In addition to blocking access to foreign sites like Google and Facebook, China often imposes penalties for publishing sensitive content. For example, last year, Ning Bin was sentenced to over two years in prison for posting "inappropriate remarks" on social media.
The expansion of China's online surveillance network is part of a broader campaign to suppress dissent, as evidenced by recent actions against popular bloggers and their followers.
Despite international concerns, these measures are expected to continue as China intensifies its efforts to control the digital narrative and suppress dissenting voices.
