Many people might wonder why services like Line, Facebook, X (Twitter), TikTok, or Google are unavailable in China. In this article, we will introduce you to the Great Firewall, a system that restricts access to websites in China, explaining why certain websites are inaccessible and how you can bypass these blocks safely using a VPN. But first, let’s understand what the Great Firewall is.
What is the Great Firewall?
The Great Firewall, also known as "The Great Chinese Firewall," is a data filtering system created by the Chinese government to control and limit access to external information and websites. As a result, internet users in China cannot access many popular websites from abroad, such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Line, and X (Twitter). The Great Firewall is part of the country's broader efforts to maintain political control and protect internal data.
How Does the Great Firewall Work?
The Great Firewall works by filtering the data flowing through China's servers using various technologies, such as IP blocking, search keyword censorship, DNS blocking, and other techniques to prevent users from accessing websites or services that the Chinese government deems inappropriate or illegal. The system can also monitor data in real-time, making blocking and restricting access to websites highly efficient.
Why Does China Use the Great Firewall?
The Great Firewall was created because the Chinese government wanted to control and limit the flow of external information to protect political security and prevent content that could negatively affect society and political control within the country.
Advantages of the Great Firewall
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Protects Political Security
One of the primary reasons China uses the Great Firewall is to control information that could potentially impact the government's stability. Limiting access to foreign data helps prevent rumors or information that could disrupt societal and political stability.
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Censorship of Inappropriate Content
The Great Firewall also helps filter content that the Chinese government considers inappropriate, such as politically sensitive topics or protests. It also prevents access to websites promoting illegal activities or content that may harm society.
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Supports Domestic Industry
By blocking services from abroad, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, China has fostered the growth of local technology and online services such as Baidu, WeChat, and Weibo, helping local businesses and the digital industry thrive.
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Prevents Cybersecurity Threats
The Great Firewall helps prevent cyberattacks from external sources by filtering data and communication from unreliable sources, reducing the risk of hacking or foreign interference.
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Efficient Control of Domestic Data
The Great Firewall also aids the Chinese government in managing the flow of data into and out of the country, ensuring effective oversight of information that may impact the public or the economy.
In summary, the Great Firewall has advantages in terms of protecting political stability, controlling information, and supporting domestic industries. However, it comes with the cost of limiting access to foreign data and restricting the freedom to access information for the public.
Next, let’s take a look at the disadvantages of the Great Firewall.
Disadvantages of the Great Firewall
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Limits Access to Information
The Great Firewall restricts access to websites and data from abroad, such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter, preventing users in China from accessing diverse and unbiased information.
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Hinders International Business
Blocking foreign services creates barriers for international business, especially for foreign companies that rely on online tools that are restricted within China.
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Affects Education and Research
Students and researchers cannot access data or research papers from foreign sources, limiting educational opportunities and technological development in China.
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Complicates Internet Usage
Users must rely on VPNs to access blocked websites, making internet usage less convenient and potentially compromising security.
In conclusion, while the Great Firewall plays a crucial role in protecting China's data and political stability, its disadvantages create obstacles in accessing important information and make international business and education more difficult.
What to Do If You Want to Access Facebook, IG, TikTok in China?
Using services like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok in China is not easy due to the Great Firewall blocking access to these sites. To use these services in China, you will need to use tools that bypass the Great Firewall.
Use VPN to Bypass the Block
The easiest and safest way to bypass the Great Firewall is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN ensures secure internet connections and helps avoid censorship imposed by the Chinese government. With a VPN, you can connect to servers in other countries and access websites blocked by the Great Firewall securely.
For an efficient VPN service to bypass the Great Firewall, I recommend BullVPN. It is a stable and secure VPN service that allows you to connect to the internet quickly and safely without worrying about blocks or access restrictions from the Great Firewall, whether you are in China or anywhere else.
How to Use BullVPN
- Sign up for BullVPN at: https://www.bullvpn.com/en/signup
- Download the BullVPN app after signing up, and install it on your device.
- BullVPN Windows
- BullVPN iOS (iPhone & iPad)
- BullVPN Android
- BullVPN Mac
- BullVPN Chrome Extension
- BullVPN Andriod TV
- Once connected to VPN, choose a server in a country where you can access Facebook, IG, TikTok, or Google, such as Thailand, Japan, Canada, South Korea, or Vietnam.