Recently, based on reports from some internet users, the Chinese government launched a new and strict crackdown in early April 2026 targeting cross-border internet access and censorship circumvention (such as Virtual Private Network (VPN) use). Unlike previous scattered blocking efforts, this campaign appears highly coordinated across multiple government departments and involves more aggressive technical restrictions.
Leaked or reported documents (shared by China Digital Times) suggest the following:
- Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC)
The CAC scheduled a meeting on April 16 to study and implement President Xi Jinping’s “cyber power” strategy, inviting relevant officials to attend. - Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)
A meeting was held on April 7 with major telecom companies (China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom) to strengthen regulation of cross-border data lines and prevent unauthorized internet connections. - Shaanxi Telecom and CDN provider notice
A directive ordered a complete ban on all overseas internet traffic, including Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and other countries. It also strictly prohibited any VPN or proxy-related services. Key requirements and consequences:- All IPs must block access to non-mainland destinations
- Immediate self-inspections for VPNs, proxies, or abnormal traffic
- Violations will result in instant service termination and IP bans
- No refunds or compensation will be provided
- Users are responsible for backing up their data
- Restoration of services is uncertain and depends on telecom authorities
Source: China Digital Times, April 8, 2026
https://chinadigitaltimes.net/chinese/726411.html