People's Republic of China
People's Republic of ChinaWhat this score means
- Extreme75 to 100
- Severe and systematic. Device search, interception and detention over online activity are documented rather than theoretical. Reconsider what you carry and what you say.
- High50 to 74
- Substantial and consistently evidenced measures. Device inspection, monitored networks or restricted services should be expected rather than treated as unlikely.
- Caution25 to 49
- Some risk, and manageable with precautions. Measures are evidenced but are narrow, inconsistently applied, or the picture is mixed.
- Low0 to 24
- Ordinary precautions. No systematic device search, network restriction or prosecution of visitors for online speech is evidenced.
Government travel advice is written for one citizenry, so the same country carries a different assessment depending on your passport. Change it in the header.
Showing the baseline, which weights every issuer equally. No government in our corpus publishes travel advice written for you, so this is not addressed to you specifically.
For United Kingdom nationals: 89 (extreme). This leans on advice written for British nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 14 percent for the relationship between United Kingdom and this destination.The United Kingdom maintains a sanctions regime in respect of UK arms embargo on mainland China and Hong Kong under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. Source.For most passports in this region, People's Republic of China requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Europe nationals: 87 (extreme). This leans on advice written for German nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 10 percent for the relationship between Europe and this destination.The European Union maintains restrictive measures in this respect: Specific restrictive measures in relation to the events at the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For United States nationals: 80 (extreme). This leans on advice written for US nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between United States and this destination.For most passports in this region, People's Republic of China requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Canada nationals: 82 (extreme). This leans on advice written for Canadian nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Canada and this destination.For most passports in this region, People's Republic of China requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Latin America and the Caribbean nationals: 82 (extreme). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Latin America and the Caribbean, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Latin America and the Caribbean and this destination.For most passports in this region, People's Republic of China requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 33 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Africa nationals: 82 (extreme). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Africa, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Africa and this destination.For most passports in this region, People's Republic of China requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 54 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Middle East nationals: 82 (extreme). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Middle East, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Middle East and this destination.For most passports in this region, People's Republic of China requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 18 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For South Asia nationals: 82 (extreme). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for South Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between South Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, People's Republic of China requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For East and South East Asia nationals: 82 (extreme). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for East and South East Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between East and South East Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, People's Republic of China requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 18 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Oceania nationals: 82 (extreme). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Oceania, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Oceania and this destination.For most passports in this region, People's Republic of China requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
Dimensions
Each dimension is scored independently, because the traveller who cares about legal exposure for what they have posted is often not the one carrying client data. Higher means more risk.
Speech and legal exposure
What legal risk attaches to what I have said online, or say while I am there?
good confidence12 independent sources
Why this score (19 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored CHN 1 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Freedom House 2026 scored CHN 0 of 4 on free and independent media.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored CHN 0.96 of 4 on how routinely the government censors political content on social media, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored CHN 0.30 of 4 on how often people are arrested for political content they posted online, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
China - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-09-04 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for China: no advisory against travel in force.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-08-27 · written for GBR nationals
China: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-14 · written for CAN nationals
People's Republic of China (China): No travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-09-25 · written for DEU nationals
Human rights defenders, writers, artists and other civil society actors continued to be detained and prosecuted under vague national security provisions, and censorship and online surveillance of these groups persisted.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-30 · extracted by language model
Chinese authorities may detain you if you participate in political activities and restrict your future travel to China.
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
The law prohibits acts that “undermine ethnic unity or create ethnic division,” but these terms are broad and undefined, raising concerns about arbitrary enforcement.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-10-01 · extracted by language model
Xi has spoken against “hostile forces” when it comes to the nation’s history, a handy excuse to stamp out anything or anyone painting the past unfavourably: it’s forbidden to mention the Tiananmen Square student demonstrations in China.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-05-15 · extracted by language model
Social-media platforms in China, including Weibo, Douyin and WeChat, are tightly regulated, and citizens can face penalties, including permanent online bans, for posts deemed anti-government or seditious.
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-11-24 · extracted by language model
China employs one of the most sophisticated censorship regimes in the world, backed up by targeted intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary imprisonment when the censors fail to prevent the dissemination of information Beijing does not like.
ARTICLE 19, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-03-12 · extracted by language model
Posting, publishing or supporting political statements critical of China or the Chinese authorities could be viewed as illegal.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-08-27 · written for GBR nationals · extracted by language model
Users in the country use a similar app, Douyin, which is only available in China and subject to monitoring and censorship by the government.
MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-03-13 · extracted by language model
Sheffield Hallam University staff in China were threatened by individuals described by them as being from China’s National Security Service, who demanded that the research being done in Sheffield be halted.
MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-11-03 · extracted by language model
Posting a photo on Tiananmen Square on June 4th was enough to get Zhang Chao arrested.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-30 · extracted by language model
China: Activist arrested over photo of Dalai Lama in Tibet must be released
The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1 · observed 2026-08-10 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
4 excluded sources
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2024-09-23: aged out after 2 years.
- MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-08-08: aged out after 2 years.
- Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-04-03: aged out after 4 years.
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2020-07-01: aged out after 6 years.
Data jurisdiction
What happens to corporate or client data I carry into the jurisdiction?
good confidence3 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 65% of full strength.
Why this score (3 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored CHN 1.14 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
The 2017 Cybersecurity Law establishes provisions on real-name identity verification, data localisation, network monitoring amounting to surveillance, strict, overbroad censorship, and network shutdowns, while simultaneously weakening cybersecurity.
ARTICLE 19, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-09-09 · extracted by language model
China has detained several Japanese nationals, including top executives of companies with offices in China, for allegedly violating export restrictions on dual-use goods, Japanese newspaper The Mainichi said, citing multiple sources.
South China Morning Post feed · observed 2026-08-11 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Surveillance and interception
How comprehensively are communications intercepted, retained, and monitored, and is commercial spyware in use?
good confidence15 independent sources
Why this score (25 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored CHN 1 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored CHN 0.22 of 4 on how comprehensively the government monitors social media and private online communication, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored CHN 1.14 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer. This measures what privacy law permits rather than what monitoring is practised, so it is read here as a constraint on interception rather than a measurement of it.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2025 scored CHN 0.10 of 1 on whether freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy is effectively guaranteed, a measure built from expert assessments of warrantless interception of communications. The same score has stood unchanged since the 2024 edition.
World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6 · observed 2024-01-01
Multiple province-level security bureaus in China are using a powerful spyware tool to steal extensive data on targets — including texts, audio recordings and location data.
The Record feed · observed 2024-12-11 · extracted by language model
Human rights defenders, writers, artists and other civil society actors continued to be detained and prosecuted under vague national security provisions, and censorship and online surveillance of these groups persisted.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-30 · extracted by language model
Law enforcement agencies in China widely rely on facial recognition technology and video surveillance to police, monitor and control illegal or restricted activities, including participation in demonstrations.
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
Es ist damit zu rechnen, dass Onlineaktivitäten von Nutzern nachverfolgt, auf elektronischen Geräten hinterlegte Daten eingesehen und kopiert sowie elektronische Geräte manipuliert werden, z.B. wenn diese in Hotelräumen zurückgelassen werden.
Our translation: It is to be expected that users' online activities will be tracked, data stored on electronic devices will be viewed and copied, and electronic devices will be manipulated, e.g. when they are left behind in hotel rooms.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
Censors barred reporting and social media posts linked to the flash flood in Tibet as surveillance persists, including for foreigners.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-10-01 · extracted by language model
China's media only distributes state-approved messages, content and pictures, while communication channels inside the country, including people’s social media, are heavily monitored.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-10-01 · extracted by language model
Xi is everything Trump aspires to be: the leader of a country with the most technologically advanced form of censorship, a nation of 1.125 billion internet users all behind a firewall and many, many surveillance cameras; a place where ethnic and religious minorities are locked up and human rights defenders jailed.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-05-15 · extracted by language model
This centralised identity verification system effectively provides the MPS and CAC with enhanced capability to monitor China’s 1.1 billion internet users, as well as people from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and other foreign nationals once they register on the Internet ID App.
ARTICLE 19, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-02-05 · extracted by language model
Your communications may be monitored at any time, and authorities may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices.
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
Mobiltelefonverträge können vor Ort nur gegen Ausweis und Gesichtsscan abgeschlossen werden; von einer Auswertung vieler Nutzerdaten ist auszugehen.
Our translation: Mobile phone contracts can only be concluded locally upon presentation of identification and a facial scan; the analysis of many user data is to be assumed.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
In Zhangjiakou, a city in northern China, the tool had records on over 700 foreigners living in the city, and close to 12,000 entries altogether.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-10-01 · extracted by language model
In new research we show that files and images shared by WeChat users with accounts outside of China are subject to political surveillance, and this content is used to train and build up the censorship system that WeChat uses to censor China-registered users.
Citizen Lab feed · observed 2025-12-09 · extracted by language model
All this is part of the “public opinion monitoring” industry, which refers to the systematic surveillance of online discourse and employs tens of thousands of people.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-07-02 · extracted by language model
Chinese electronic surveillance and espionage activities against the US have reached an all-time high in terms of level of effort and, most importantly, effectiveness.
The Conversation, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-12-19 · extracted by language model
Bij aankomst in China en tijdens uw reis kunnen de autoriteiten uw telefoon of laptop controleren op uw berichten.
Our translation: Upon arrival in China and during your trip, the authorities may check your phone or laptop for your messages.
Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Reisadvies · observed 2026-10-16 · written for NLD nationals · extracted by language model
携帯電話やパソコン等の通信機器は、機器やアプリを通じて盗聴されている可能性があることを認識してください。
Our translation: Be aware that communications devices such as mobile phones and computers may be wiretapped through the devices or applications.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas travel safety information · observed 2026-10-16 · written for JPN nationals · extracted by language model
Finally, Deibert commented on the fact that Chinese authorities appear to store massive amounts of user data indefinitely.
Citizen Lab feed · observed 2025-12-10 · extracted by language model
The 2017 Cybersecurity Law establishes provisions on real-name identity verification, data localisation, network monitoring amounting to surveillance, strict, overbroad censorship, and network shutdowns, while simultaneously weakening cybersecurity.
ARTICLE 19, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-09-09 · extracted by language model
The most concerning changes proposed by the amendment involve significant increases in penalties, including greater liability for management personnel, and the reinforcement of censorship and surveillance as core elements of cybersecurity governance.
ARTICLE 19, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-06-18 · extracted by language model
China’s Cyberspace Administration and Ministry of Public Security has outlawed the use of facial recognition without consent.
The Register feed · observed 2025-03-23 · extracted by language model
If enacted, the bill would bring together rules that govern China’s telecommunication, internet, and banking systems under a single framework, strengthening authorities’ ability to trace user activity across platforms.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-30 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- The Register feed, observed 2023-11-02: aged out after 3 years.
Encryption and VPN legality
Are VPNs and strong encryption lawful, and can I be required to install an application or hand over keys?
good confidence9 independent sources
Why this score (12 sources)
Widespread restrictions. The law in China imposes a range of restrictions on the manufacturing, import, export and use of encryption: It requires manufacturers must obtain approval for the type and model (including key length) of their encryption products, requires a license for the import and export of encryption products. This means organisations and individuals may not distribute encryption products produced abroad as only products that have received government authorised may be used. It also imposes obligations on technology firms, who are broadly required to help decrypt information.
Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies · observed 2019-06-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored CHN 0.18 of 4 on whether the government regulates the internet in a way consistent with international human rights standards, where higher is freer. This does not establish whether encryption or VPN use is lawful. It measures internet regulation in general, and is used as indirect evidence because the only survey that reads encryption law directly was published in 2019.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI confirmed blocking on 894 of 35,906 measurements of anonymity and censorship circumvention tools in CHN over the 90 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 2.49 percent, with 9,754 further results inconclusive.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
China's cybersecurity laws state that online products and services (for example, VPNs) need to be licensed by the Chinese government.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-08-10
Die Nutzung von VPN-Diensten zur Umgehung der staatlichen Internetzensur in China ist verboten, siehe auch Reiseinfos - Rechtliche Besonderheiten.
Our translation: The use of VPN services to circumvent state internet censorship in China is prohibited; see also Travel information - Legal particularities.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
Die Nutzung von sog. VPN-Diensten zur Umgehung der staatlichen Internetzensur in China ist seit Inkrafttreten Cybersicherheitsgesetzes verboten.
Our translation: The use of so-called VPN services to circumvent state internet censorship in China has been prohibited since the Cybersecurity Law came into force.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
Chinese laws also give police power to stop and search citizens’ computers and cellphones for illegal apps such as YouTube, non-approved VPNs and other content that may be deemed illegal.
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-11-24 · extracted by language model
Social media and messaging platforms such as X, formerly Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta, YouTube, Signal, and Telegram, along with thousands of news and other websites, are inaccessible in China without a VPN, which are all but illegal.
ARTICLE 19, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-03-12 · extracted by language model
Die Nutzung von sog. VPN-Diensten zur Umgehung der staatlichen Internetzensur in China ist seit Inkrafttreten Cybersicherheitsgesetzes verboten.
Our translation: The use of so-called VPN services to circumvent state internet censorship in China has been prohibited since the Cybersecurity Law came into force.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
While China already blocks foreign information through practice, such as with the “Great Firewall,” and bans the unapproved provision of virtual private networks to circumvent such restrictions, the bill embeds such prohibitions into the cybercrime law framework.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-30 · extracted by language model
Deciphering China’s VPN Ban - Electronic Frontier Foundation
Electronic Frontier Foundation feed · observed 2017-08-02 · extracted by language model
China’s cybersecurity laws state that online products and services (for example, VPNs) need to be licensed by the Chinese government.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-08-27 · written for GBR nationals · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- The Conversation, via a site scoped search, observed 2017-08-22: aged out after 9 years.
Connectivity continuity
How likely am I to lose access to the internet, or to the specific tools I depend on?
good confidence12 independent sources
Why this score (34 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored CHN 2.88 of 4 on how often the government shuts down domestic access to the internet, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored CHN 0.42 of 4 on how routinely the government filters internet content in practice, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI recorded 1,535 confirmed and 608,699 anomalous results across 1,082,097 web connectivity measurements in CHN over the 30 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 0.14 percent.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
China - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-09-04 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for China: no advisory against travel in force.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-08-27 · written for GBR nationals
China: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-14 · written for CAN nationals
People's Republic of China (China): No travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-09-25 · written for DEU nationals
Der Zugriff auf verschiedene Onlineangebote (z. B. Google, Facebook, X, WhatsApp und andere) ist blockiert.
Our translation: Access to various online services (e.g. Google, Facebook, X, WhatsApp and others) is blocked.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
Content that does not follow strict government regulations can be restricted or deleted by a team of censors, or by AI algorithms that flag "problematic" content.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-10-01 · extracted by language model
China blocks access to several websites, social media, search engines and online services within its territory.
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
Eine dauerhafte Sperrung der kommerziellen, auch nicht-chinesischen VPN-Anbieter zur Umgehung der Zensur ist bisher nicht erfolgt.
Our translation: A permanent blocking of commercial VPN providers, including non-Chinese ones, to circumvent censorship has not yet occurred.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
Social media and messaging platforms such as X, formerly Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta, YouTube, Signal, and Telegram, along with thousands of news and other websites, are inaccessible in China without a VPN, which are all but illegal.
ARTICLE 19, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-03-12 · extracted by language model
Eine dauerhafte Sperrung der kommerziellen, auch nicht-chinesischen VPN-Anbieter zur Umgehung der Zensur ist bisher nicht erfolgt.
Our translation: A permanent blocking of commercial, including non-Chinese, VPN providers for circumventing censorship has not yet occurred.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
One of the earliest proponents of leaving the global internet was China which rapidly built in the mid-2000s its own intranet, isolated from the global one by a powerful censorship filter, known as the Great Firewall .
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-04-12 · extracted by language model
A more compelling fact is that among the top 10 most downloaded apps worldwide, five are unavailable, and the rest are blocked from access in China.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2024-06-25 · extracted by language model
As is the case with other social media platforms, TikTok is banned in China.
MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-03-13 · extracted by language model
For twelve years, his personal blog gave advice on how to circumvent China’s Great Firewall of internet censorship, and exposed the regime's malpractices, including corruption.
Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search · observed 2023-04-03 · extracted by language model
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-10-11, with an aggregate disruption score of 8,233.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-11
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-10-10, with an aggregate disruption score of 8,233.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-10
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-10-09, with an aggregate disruption score of 8,233.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-09
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-10-08, with an aggregate disruption score of 14,086.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-08
IODA detected 3 internet outage events affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-10-07, with an aggregate disruption score of 37,444.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-07
IODA detected 3 internet outage events affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-10-06, with an aggregate disruption score of 37,444.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-06
IODA detected 3 internet outage events affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-10-05, with an aggregate disruption score of 37,444.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-05
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-10-04, with an aggregate disruption score of 29,211.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-04
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-10-03, with an aggregate disruption score of 29,211.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-03
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-10-02, with an aggregate disruption score of 29,211.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-02
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-10-01, with an aggregate disruption score of 50,183.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-01
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-09-30, with an aggregate disruption score of 22,725.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-30
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-09-29, with an aggregate disruption score of 22,725.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-29
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-09-28, with an aggregate disruption score of 22,725.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-28
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-09-27, with an aggregate disruption score of 22,725.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-27
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-09-26, with an aggregate disruption score of 22,725.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-26
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting China in the 7 days to 2026-09-25, with an aggregate disruption score of 23,526.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-25
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Network threat
How hostile is the network environment to a foreign visitor, from state actors and criminals alike?
good confidence6 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 66% of full strength.
Why this score (7 sources)
ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, Technical pillar: 17.14 of 20.
International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index · observed 2024-12-31
Freedom House scored China 7 of 25 on obstacles to access in Freedom on the Net, a category covering state control over internet infrastructure and gateways, regulatory and ownership control over service providers, and the independence of the regulator.
Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access · observed 2025-01-01
US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency: Chinese Government-linked Cyber Threat Actors Combine Automated and Hands-on Hacking Tools to Steal Sensitive Data
UK NCSC and US CISA, National cyber agency attribution advisories · observed 2026-10-08
Notably, it wasn’t just one group behind these cyberattacks but three distinct hacking organizations, all based in China, and all exploiting the same issues contemporaneously.
The Record feed · observed 2025-12-08 · extracted by language model
To cancel it was a foolish thing to do, when they're investigating Salt Typhoon, the Chinese espionage penetration of our telecommunications and ISP networks.
The Register feed · observed 2025-01-30 · extracted by language model
US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency: China-Based Artificial Intelligence Companies Conducting Industrial-Scale Distillation Campaigns Against U.S. AI Companies
UK NCSC and US CISA, National cyber agency attribution advisories · observed 2026-09-08
The bill also expands police and other authorities’ ability to suspend access to financial accounts and communication services and bar people from leaving the country in cybercrime-related cases without meaningful oversight or redress provisions.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-30 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- Kaspersky Securelist feed, observed 2024-08-27: aged out after 2 years.
Border device risk
How likely is my device to be searched, imaged, or seized at the border, and can I be compelled to unlock it?
moderate confidence7 independent sources
Why this score (7 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored CHN 1 of 4 on due process in civil and criminal matters.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
China - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-09-04 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for China: no advisory against travel in force.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-08-27 · written for GBR nationals
China: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-14 · written for CAN nationals
People's Republic of China (China): No travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-09-25 · written for DEU nationals
国家安全机关依法对有关个人和组织的电子设备、设施及有关程序、工具开展查验，应当经设区的市级以上国家安全机关负责人批准，制作查验通知书。
Our translation: Where state security organs inspect the electronic devices, facilities and related programs and tools of individuals and organisations in accordance with law, this shall be approved by the head of a state security organ at or above the level of a city divided into districts, and an inspection notice shall be produced.
State Council of the People's Republic of China, State Council Gazette · observed 2024-06-01
中国の空港によっては、国家に危害を加える人物の入国がないかを検査するため、空港職員が所持品のみならず携帯・パソコンの中身を検査することがあります。
Our translation: At some Chinese airports, airport personnel may inspect not only belongings but also the contents of mobile phones and computers in order to check that persons who would harm the state do not enter the country.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas travel safety information · observed 2026-10-16 · written for JPN nationals · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Trend
The overall score is up 10.4 points over 61 days, from 68.3 to 78.7. Most movement is the event overlay decaying rather than anything happening: a news signal loses half its weight every three weeks, so a score drifts back toward its structural baseline on its own. A step that holds is the one worth reading.
Check this yourself
These are not inputs to the score for People's Republic of China. They are where to look if you want to test what is above against something we did not use.
- OONI ExplorerMeasured tests of website and app blocking, updated continuously by volunteers running probes in country. Not used in our scores: its licence forbids commercial use.
- IODA outage recordThe full outage history behind any continuity events shown above, including the measurement methods that detected them.
- FCDO travel adviceThe UK government view, written for UK nationals.
- US State Department travel advisoriesThe US government view, written for US nationals.
Sources
This assessment draws on 30 sources: ARTICLE 19, via a site scoped search; Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise; Citizen Lab feed; CIVICUS Monitor country updates; Electronic Frontier Foundation feed; Freedom House, Freedom in the World; Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access; Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis; Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories; Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies; Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search; Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search; International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index; Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Reisadvies; Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas travel safety information; MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search; Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data; Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search; South China Morning Post feed; State Council of the People's Republic of China, State Council Gazette; The Conversation, via a site scoped search; The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1; The Record feed; The Register feed; Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, via a site scoped search; UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice; UK NCSC and US CISA, National cyber agency attribution advisories; US Department of State, Travel Advisories; V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project; World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6. Every contributing claim is quoted with its origin and date above. Model version 0.12.0, computed 2026-10-16.
If something here is wrong, say so. Corrections are handled in public, and we correct because the evidence is wrong, not because someone objects.