Not only have websites blocked before National Day not been opened again but the extent of the blocking has intensified

Beijing tightens internet controls

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A sinking feeling is spreading among China’s internet users. Over the past nine months, the government has tightened online censorship to an extent not seen in years and there is a growing realisation the new roadblocks are here to stay.

Tighter controls had been expected in a sensitive year for the authorities – the anniversaries of a Tibetan uprising and its subsequent suppression; of the 1989 Tiananmen student democracy movement and ensuing military crackdown; and the 60th anniversary of Communist party rule on October 1. But more than a month after National Day the restrictions, thought to be temporary, are still in place. “Not only have websites blocked before National Day not been opened again but the extent of the blocking has intensified,” said Beifeng, an internet commentator.

The authorities’ focus has been to cut the country’s 350m users off from the fast-emerging interactive networking websites, such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, which have been closed for several months. China’s Twitter equivalent Fanfou has also been down for more than 100 days.

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