WhatsApp Accessible in China Despite Ban, Users Report Unrestricted Access

Beijing: In an unusual turn of events, some users in China have been able to access and use WhatsApp, the popular messaging service owned by Meta, despite the longstanding government ban on the app. Reports from Beijing and Shanghai suggest that users have been able to send and receive messages on WhatsApp without the need for virtual private networks (VPNs) or other workarounds, which are typically required to bypass China’s strict internet censorship measures, known as the Great Firewall.

While the exact number of users who have gained access to WhatsApp remains unclear, reports suggest that individuals in these cities have been able to send and receive messages on the platform for an extended period, spanning two weeks. Interestingly, this phenomenon has not yet garnered attention on domestic social media platforms like Weibo.

WhatsApp’s encryption features make it challenging for authorities to monitor messages, contributing to its popularity among users seeking privacy. Despite the ban, sporadic instances of users accessing blocked services in China have been reported in the past, typically attributed to network glitches.

Representatives for WhatsApp have declined to comment on the matter, while queries directed to the Cyberspace Administration of China remain unanswered.