China Bans Worthy News; VPN Could Offer Hope (Worthy News Investigation)
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
BEIJING/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Communist-run China is actively suppressing access to Christian news agency Worthy News and other websites deemed “dangerous” to the government.
A European digital expert and entrepreneur said he nearly ended up in prison after trying to access Worthy News through the regular internet. He spoke on condition of anonymity as he still works in China.
“Suddenly, I got a text message saying that I had to report myself to law enforcement authorities in Shanghai,” 750 miles (1,207 kilometers) “away from Beijing, which I visited. I could have ended up in prison.” Worthy News independently confirmed the text message.
The European reached Worthy News through a virtual private network (VPN), which allows for a computer connection and a remote VPN server.
He told Worthy News he is working on a VPN for Christians, dissidents, and journalists that encrypts personal data, masks Internet Protocol addresses, and lets users sidestep website blocks and firewalls on the internet.
“However, my problems began when I tried to reach Worthy News and other banned sites without a VPN. Authorities blocked me after trying to access Worthy News,” the entrepreneur added. “My bank card was ‘eaten’ by a cash dispenser. I could not make calls, including to family, and was not able to pay for anything, even not with China’s digital social media application.”
It reminded him of China’s social credit score system that can take ‘privileges’ such as traveling or buying groceries from people critical of the system, such as Christians or dissidents. “Everywhere are cameras.”
NO OPTION
While he managed to get around the blockade through business contacts, he said, “Many ordinary Chinese people don’t have that option.” Worthy News has often reported on Christians in China as well as regional threats such as Beijing’s policies toward Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Angrily, he decided to take “revenge” by “broadcasting live” from Beijing’s Tiananmen Square around the 35th anniversary of the army crackdown there on pro-democracy demonstrators.
Dozens of soldiers, along with up to 800 civilians, were killed in June 1989 during the so-called “Tiananmen Square Massacre,” according to unofficial estimates.
“That I could stream live from there through VPN was a miracle,” he added.
He returned safely home, realizing many would stay behind in challenging circumstances.
“Behind the neo-lights and spectacular sites in Shanghai, many live in poverty and are unable to give their free opinion.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping has come under Western pressure to improve human rights. He has denied wrongdoing, saying the “United States does not really believe in these values,” as evidenced by their history of “systemic racism“ denounced by the Black Lives Matter movement.
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