Are VPNs Illegal in China? All You Need to Know

Using the Internet in China can be challenging due to the country’s robust censorship system, the Great Firewall.

Accessing global content often requires a VPN for expatriates, travelers, and locals alike. This article provides essential insights into effectively choosing the right VPN for China and safely using it to maintain access to the Internet.

What is The Great Firewall in China?

The Great Firewall of China (GFW), officially known as the Golden Shield Project, is an upgraded Internet censorship and surveillance system implemented by the Chinese government.

It blocks access to numerous foreign websites, including Google, Facebook, and Twitter, and filters keywords to prevent the spread of sensitive information.

The system employs technologies like deep packet inspection to monitor and control Internet traffic, ensuring that online content aligns with state policies. This extensive censorship aims to maintain social and political stability by restricting the flow of information within China.

Is Using a VPN in China Legal?

Even though there might be a lot of confusion and criteria involved, the simplest answer is: Yes, VPNs are legal in China.

However, if someone is caught engaging in illegal activities, the punishment can be severe. It can range from a large sum of money to even jail time. As a VPN user, you must be careful about using it for valid purposes.

Why Must You Use A VPN in China?

Privacy and security are 2 of the most important things to consider if you are an avid Internet user, which is technically about 6 billion people, including you and me! To ensure complete privacy and security on the Internet from malicious hackers, data thieves, and any other third party, you must need a VPN.

Not only that, you might face geo-blocks and restrictions to use sites or applications anywhere in the world, especially in China. Without a VPN, you will not be able to pass any of these restrictions.

Here are 3 major reasons why you should use a VPN:

1. Access Blocked Websites and Services:

China blocks access to numerous popular websites and services, such as Google, Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, Twitter, YouTube, and many international news sites and educational libraries. This limits the number of sources available, especially for students and tourists who have been living there for a long time.

A VPN can help bypass these restrictions by hiding your IP address and making it like you are browsing from a different country.

You can choose any server from any country, depending on the content you want to access. For example, if you want to access a library in the UK, all you need to do is choose a server in the UK and connect your device to it.

2. Secure Your Data:

Public Wi-Fi networks are common in China but can be unsafe and contain malware, which can be a major problem for your device and data.

A VPN encrypts your Internet traffic, protecting your personal information and sensitive data from potential hackers and cybercriminals.

3. Maintain Privacy:

Internet surveillance is strictly maintained in China, which does not leave much scope for privacy. However, a VPN helps you maintain privacy by hiding your online activities from government surveillance and data tracking by ISPs (Internet Service Providers).

VPNs use an encrypted tunnel to pass data through their network, which is not reachable by anyone. This means that if you send any data through a VPN network, only you and the receiver will be aware of the transmitted data, securing it completely.

Essential Features of VPNs to Consider:

• Strong Encryption: Ensure the VPN uses advanced encryption standards to protect your data. The best VPN services usually have an AES-256 encryption system available for users.
• No-Logs Policy: A VPN that does not keep logs of your activities ensures greater privacy. Trustworthy VPN companies do not keep logs of users, specifically because if the company network is compromised, your(and millions of other data) is secure.
• High-Speed Servers: Choose a VPN with high-speed servers close to China to minimize latency. Servers that are further away from the user location can lead to increased lag and slower Internet speeds.

Popular VPNs for China:

While the VPN landscape is constantly changing due to ongoing crackdowns, some VPNs are known for their reliability in China:

1. Symlex VPN: Symlex VPN is renowned for its robust performance in bypassing the Great Firewall.

It offers strong encryption of AES-256, a strict no-logs policy, and multiple upgraded protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Shadowsocks, to ensure your Internet traffic remains undetected.

Symlex VPN also provides high-speed servers in strategically located regions, making it a reliable choice for users in China. Additionally, it allows multi-device connections with one subscription, so you can use one VPN on at least five devices simultaneously.

2. ExpressVPN: It is known for its speed and ability to bypass the Great Firewall, ExpressVPN is popular among users in China. It offers strong security features, including a no-logs policy and obfuscation techniques.

3. NordVPN: NordVPN is another top choice, offering robust security features and reliable encryption methods. It has a wide range of high-speed servers near China and provides good customer support.

4. Surfshark: This user-friendly VPN offers good performance, strong privacy features, and obfuscation techniques that make it a reliable option for bypassing censorship in China.

5. VyprVPN: VyprVPN utilizes its own Chameleon protocol to avoid VPN blocking, making it a solid option for users in China. It also offers strong encryption and a no-logs policy.

Steps to Set Up Symlex VPN in China

It is crucial to download and install your VPN software before arriving in China, as many VPN websites are blocked within the country. Ensure you also download any necessary updates or configuration files.

It is a step-by-step guide to download and use Symlex VPN in China:

• It is highly recommended that you download Symlex VPN on your devices before leaving for China. If you already live in China, we recommend you go to the Symlex VPN website and download the apk file available.If these two options do not work out, you can always contact support for instant assistance.
• After installing Symlex VPN on your device, you must Sign up using your email ID and set a password. Once you receive the confirmation mail, use the credentials to Log in.
• Once logged in, you will find the servers list. Select the server you want to use and use it accordingly.

Tips for Effective VPN Use in China

1.Use Mobile Data When Necessary: Public Wi-Fi networks are often monitored, and VPN usage might be throttled. Even though it is a very unusual scenario, using mobile data can provide a more stable and faster connection for your VPN.

2. Avoid Free VPNs: Free VPNs often lack the security, speed, and reliability needed to bypass the Great Firewall compared to a Paid VPN.

They may also log your data or show intrusive ads. Investing in a reputable paid VPN service is a better option for both security and performance.

3. Test Before Relying: If possible, test your VPN in China as soon as you arrive. Ensure it works well in your location and meets your browsing needs. This gives you time to troubleshoot or switch services if necessary.

Conclusion

Using a VPN in China is essential for anyone accessing the global Internet freely and securely. While there are legal and technical challenges, choosing the right VPN for China, configuring it correctly, and staying updated about the latest developments can significantly enhance your online experience.

Symlex VPN and other reliable options provide robust solutions for maintaining access to unrestricted Internet in China.

By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can ensure your online activities remain private, secure, and unrestricted. Always be aware of the legal implications and stay updated with current regulations to navigate the Internet landscape in China effectively.