Censorship of Social Media in China 1

Censorship of Social Media in China:

What is it and How Will it Affect Us?
Xiashan Hughes
Global Studies and World Languages Academy
Instructor: Gregory Falls
Censorship of Social Media in China 2

Abstract

American social media is used for connecting with family and friends, accessing

different business opportunities, and sharing ideas and news globally. Media in China

however, is not able to express their ideas and get access to global news without the

government censoring everything that they look at. The government blocks anything

that is seen as a possible threat to their regime. Many American medias such as

Facebook and Twitter have been blocked by the Chinese government and is

unavailable to the Citizens to use. The Chinese have created their own social media

representing the American media that was blocked to them. These apps have shown to

be a big hit and now even American companies are trying to create such social media

apps such as the ones the Chinese have made.

Censorship of Social Media in China 3

Literature Review

Social media is a form of electronic communication where people create online

communities to share ideas, messages, information and more. In China, social media is

used on a daily basis and is the door to knowledge. That brings up the question how do

Chinese use social media? This paper will examine the effects of censored social media

on all ages of citizens in China.

Social media allows everyone to connect with each other. It makes the world

smaller which enables people from all over the world to connect. Its most common use

is to connect with friends and family. Through different kinds of messaging apps, it

allows for easier accessibility to others. Businesses are able to use social media to

advertise and make their businesses more successful. Social media allows people to

share ideas and spreads news globally. This paper will be analyzing what and how

social media affect the citizens of China, their reasons for using social media, and the

effects of social media on the individuals

Beina (2015) has stated that Chinas citizens have the same rights as the Unites

States do; however, they are worried about endangering the country. Media is always

being watched and censored in China. Censorship ranges from the government deleting

and blocking content to cyber bullying against businesses such as Google (MacKinnon,

2010). The whole project of censoring the Chinese media is known as the Great

Firewall (Beina, 2015). OgilvyOne (2010) has done research and worked on revealing

changes social media has had on Chinese consumers.

Social media started as online forums and communities and eventually grew into

instant messaging and blogging. American social media, such as Facebook and Twitter,
Censorship of Social Media in China 4

was blocked in 2009 because of peaceful protests made by the Uighurs. The peaceful

protests turned into deadly riots in Xinjiang (Spencer, 2015). Because American social

media was blocked from citizens, they started creating their own versions of social

media, similar to the American ones (Kessel, 2016).

An example of a mimic social media would be WeChat. WeChat is an app that

combines many of the American apps into one. It combines social media such as

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram all in one. It also offers such apps that do not yet exist

in America such as hospital appointment booking systems. Red Packet campaign was

a very successful work for WeChat. On New Years, Chinese give family and friends a

red packet that has money included. The app allowed that New Years tradition to be

part of their app and made it possible to give a red packet with money linked the online

packet. It mixed custom with modern technology and was a huge hit to the Chinese

population (WeChat, 2016).

Crampton (2011) says that Chinese youth have more friends online than offline.

He explains this as a result of how much social media is embedded into the daily lives

of the Chinese population. All of the time people are on social media, they are blocked

from American social media. The censorship that keeps order in China also narrows

business opportunities between them and American companies. Cook (2015) says that

the relationship between China and the United States is unfair in the way that the US

allows China to advertise and appeal to oversea users while they are not allowed to

advertise in China. As United States citizens are buying overseas from China, their

social media is also being influenced by China. While it is convenient, having an app

that has a combination of all the information from all social medias put into one, the end
Censorship of Social Media in China 5

result is companies and the government having the ability to track all the moves of an

individual which violates human rights.

Limitations of Study

China does not share lots of information about themselves. Finding articles and

information to read for my research was difficult. There were not many sources and

articles to read and analyze. I made a thorough search for everything related that could

help with my studies so that my paper is complete and full of information to fulfill the

topic question.

The sources that I found, have the presence of bias. Many of my sources are

American written which might not have accurate information. Other possibilities of

inaccurate information could be caused by how old some of the sources are. Material

such as statistics might be old and no longer relevant. The paper has a combination of

old and new sources.

Introduction

Social media is used for communicating with others, sharing ideas, and

information. Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter engage people with others

lives, bringing different worlds together (Baker, 2016). Media has many purposes and

can be used to make connecting with others easier, whether it is contacting friends and

family or a business partner in another country. It makes expressing oneself, ideas and

interests easy to do.

China and the United States use social media in all the same ways; however,

China has some regulations to keep order in the country. Like the United States,

Chinese citizens have freedom of speech and press; however, in China citizens are not
Censorship of Social Media in China 6

allowed to expose any state secrets. State secrets is still vague, but is whatever the

government sees as harmful to their political and or economic interests. (Media, 2015).

Discussion

These regulations are widely known as The Great Firewall of China (Spencer,

2016). The Great Firewall was under the Golden Shield Project made from the Central

Propaganda Department (CPD), the most well known and powerful monitoring body in

China (Media, 2015). The Great Firewall is a method to protect the states secret

information using different methods such as filtering and deleting any unwanted

comments, business, or people (MacKinnon, 2010). Kessel (2016) says the government

will block any foreign site it doesnt think it can control. By doing so, the government is

limiting what the Chinese citizens are able to access online and are able to control and

monitor what they can discuss (News, 2015).

Council on Foreign Relations Senior, Elizabeth C. Economy, comments that the

government is in a state of schizophrenia. She says that the Chinese government

understands that freedom is required in their state, but they are afraid of allowing

citizens freedom, for it could potentially be the downfall of their regime (Media, 2015).

In order to give the citizens freedom of speech without the real freedom, social

media apps were made instead of completely eliminating social media (Crampton,

2016). These apps are copycats of American social media. This way, the government is

able to watch over all the movements of the citizens with ease. Getting the Chinese to

only use Chinese media and services would get the government that much closer to the

goal of having cyber sovereignty (Media, 2015). With the replacement social medias,

China is able to watch and block as they see fit; however, the citizens are unable to
Censorship of Social Media in China 7

recognize it and may even be unaware of the new regulations. With new social

networks in China, the citizens are able to express themselves and are not silenced

into compliance (Dibble, 2011).

Before the option of social media, if any term seen by the government as political

or economic were to show up, Chinese citizens would tend to avoid talking about it,

trying to have no relation to it because it was known as something their government

would not allow (Ping, 2014). As time passed, tools and technology advanced and

China rose from online forums, instant messaging, and review sites to blogging, social

networking, and microblogging. As an authoritarian government, China was able stay in

power while they were increasing their domestic internet and mobile phone usage

(MacKinnon, 2010). Now their technology is more advanced compared to the West

(Chui, 2012).

Software developer Gary King uses his software to watch over Chinese

censorship specifically on social media. Through multiple experiences, his findings

showed him a pattern of how the government censorship works. Names, titles, topics

begin to be censored ahead of time before an event such as an arrest

happens(Simonite, 2013). It is common to see full websites taken down or blocked

during time of controversy or unrest, such as the Tiananmen Square Massacre that

occurred June 4, 1989 (Media, 2015). This is said to happen to dampen outcries and

shift into more favorable terms. King comments that paying attention to this pattern can

help with clearly seeing the government's intentions and actions before anything

actually happens (Simonite, 2013).

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Social media blocked by the government affects all 650 million active social

network users in China which alone is twice the population of the United States. Out of

all 650 million users, only about 62% reveal themselves and their personal information

on their social medias (Spencer, 2010). In 2009 there was a count of 766 million phone

subscribers, all which had access to social media. A year before that, in 2009, a top 10

list was made of internet activities and that list included social networking, blogging and

games (Wallis, 2016).

A poll was taken and the age of social media users was recorded. Social Media

showed to be the most popular and used amongst the young adults from the ages of

16-25. Within a year, the percentage of users in the age of 16-25 had increased by

20%. In that year, all age groups actually increased their user percent, with the users

55+ having the biggest change, doubling their starting percent (Half, 2016).

Out of all those users Ogilvy (2010) grouped them into 3 categories, initiators,

commenters, and gawkers. The first category is the initiator. Initiators are the 1 in 4

users who state their opinions and start conversations online. They make up 26% of all

the social network users, who post new thoughts and ideas. The second category

Ogilvy created was called commenters. They make up 29% of the social network users.

They dont take the initiative to start conversations but they do like to comment off posts

that others, like initiators, make. The last group of users are called gawkers who only

browse the web and not take part in any conversation. All they do is observe what they

see. This group is made up of 45% of the social networking population (Ogilvy, 2010).

All the users, whether they are an initiator or gawker, spend on average more time on

social networks then users in the United States. Wilner (2016) researched and found
Censorship of Social Media in China 9

that Americans do it more often, Chinese do it longer. Americans log into accounts

more often a day then Chinese, but Chinese stay on the social network longer every

time they log into an account.

All the users of social networks have the option and access to a virtual private

network (VPN); however, in 2015, the government cracked down on VPNs, making it

harder to access American websites and other blocked content (Media, 2015). A VPN

works by encrypting links from the device being used, such as a computer, to the

blocked content. The government announced they were doing it for safety, and to

preserve cyberspace sovereignty, although the real reason was because politics of

China were being reported on in foreign websites. Because of the situation, they

became stricter on individual and phone restrictions, but left large companies untouched

(News, 2015). Some VPNs were cut off from the public, so they had to find new VPNs

such as Ultrasurf, Psiphon, and Freegate which were servers that avoided control

(Media, 2015).

Many people use VPNs in China, but they are not required when using Chinese

social media servers such as SinaWeibo and WeChat(Brossman, 2014). WeChat and

SinaWeibo are both super popular and some of the biggest social media apps in China

(Appendix A). SinaWeibo is used for mass communication, just like Twitter (Brossman,

2014). It allows the users to express themselves with 140 characters, similar to Twitter.

A big difference is that SinaWeibo allows for pictures and videos to be uploaded in posts

along with the original 140 characters. SinaWeibo allows for ideas and expressions to

be heard, especially compared to Twitter, for 140 characters in Chinese can express

much more than 140 characters in English. This may be true; however, veteran blogger
Censorship of Social Media in China 10

Michael Anti says that if any keywords such as democracy is mentioned, that local

police would be notified right away (Hewitt, 2012).

WeChat has the same regulations as SinaWeibo, but is a completely different

social network. WeChat could be known as a swiss army knife. It is a super app that is

a combination of all apps put into one (Kessel, 2016). Yu Hui, a four year old Chinese

girl has already started using social networks to talk with family. She has a small device

that allows her to use WeChat, giving her the power to send and receive messages

from her mom and dad. WeChat is not only a messenger app, but also used for

business and personal needs.

Yu Huis mother uses WeChat for connecting with coworkers through messages

instead of emails. She also uses it to scan QR codes instead of physically exchanging

business cards (WeChat, 2016). Other than business cards, it is a great way to market

and advertise ones business. Social media allows for possible advertising through text

or banners. It also give the opportunity to get global exposure or simply make plans to

meet up with someone (Baker, 2016).

Yu Huis father uses WeChat for personal use to make his day go by faster and

easier. He likes using it for shopping online for all sorts of items such as goods at a

store or taxis. He can also buy movie tickets, pay bills, and even make reservations at a

hospital all while staying on the WeChat app.

WeChat has become so popular in China that about half their users were

persuaded into giving bank information to them, something that American networks like

Snapchat have yet been able to do. With information like that saved on WeChat, actions

like buying on a phone is easy and simple to do. WeChat has even catered to the
Censorship of Social Media in China 11

Chinese culture and invented what is known as the Red Packet Campaign. This

integrated the Chinese tradition of giving a red packet of money to family and friends for

New Years with the WeChat app. Now at that time of year, Chinese can send red packet

money digitally to friends and family over their app (WeChat, 2016).

Over the years, the Unites States of America has tried to understand China

better; however the lack of information they have on China makes things difficult. The

United States has sent many journalists over; however, in return they receive

government intimidation, surveillance, and restrictions. All and any foreign

correspondents have to get permission from the Chinese government before reporting,

for they do not want any sensitive topics brought up (Media, 2015).

Chinas censorship not only limits the news that Americans can publish, but it

also harms the potential US business. The relationship between Chinese and American

business is unfair. To start, China is so closed off. The United States is forced to accept

and business opportunities offered to them. What also makes the relationship unfair is

that China is given permission to reach out and sell goods to the American consumers,

but America is not given the same permission to sell and advertise in China. Both China

and the United States are misinformed and have a limited world view, all caused by

tension of the unknown. The major issue is that China sees freedom as a threat to their

rule where The United States has it political system surviving off the idea that freedom

needs to be protected (Cook, 2015).

Even with the conflict between the two countries, The United States recognizes

the impressive social networks that China has created, specifically WeChat. The United
Censorship of Social Media in China 12

States had made attempts to make an equivalent to WeChat but has not successfully

accomplished it.

Having a social network such as WeChat in the States would be very convenient

and easy for the people to use; however, having as much information as it would, all on

one app could lead to bad consequences. Businesses and government who have

access to the information on the app would be able to track all information of a person

such as who someone talks to and what they like to buy. It is dangerous but easy for the

government to see and stalk users, which could be a violation of human rights act.

Conclusion

The Chinese government censors all media that is uploaded and posted onto the

internet. The citizens have freedom of speech unless their post is seen as a potential

threat to the China. American social media that has been blocked by the government

was replaced with Chinese copycats. These social media websites and apps allowed

the Chinese citizens to express themselves better without so much worry of the

governments censorship. The apps have upgraded and evolved with lots of new

functions, not even American social media provides. Those new functions are so

desirable to the American companies that they are even trying to copy the Chinese

social media. This is a great opportunity for America because having apps like WeChat

would be revolutionary; however, there are potential problems with the security that

would violate the basic human rights.

Censorship of Social Media in China 13

Citations

Baker, B. (n.d.). What Are Social Networks Used For? Retrieved from

http://socialnetworking.lovetoknow.com/What_are_Social_Networks_Used_For

Brossman, M. (2014, December 18). How China Uses Social Media for Business

and Personal Use. Retrieved December 1, 2016, from

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-china-uses-social-media-use-martin

Chiu, C., Ip, C., & Silverman, A. (2012). Understanding social media in China.

Cook, S. (2015, July 23). How Beijing's Censorship Impairs U.S.-China

Relations. Retrieved from https://freedomhouse.org/blog/how-beijing-s-

censorship-impairs-us-china-relations

Crampton, T. (n.d.). Social Media in China: The Same, but Different. Retrieved from

http://www.chinabusinessreview.com/social-media-in-china-the-same-but-

different/

Dibble, L. (2011, September 6). 3Qs: Censorship's impact on Chinese culture. Retrieved

from http://www.northeastern.edu/news/2011/09/chinese_censorship/

Half of Consumers in China Use Social Media - eMarketer. (2016, February 12).

Retrieved December 1,, 2016, from http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Half-of-

Consumers-China-Use Social-Media/1013584

Hewitt, D. (2012, August 1). Weibo brings change to China. Retrieved from

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-18887804

Kessel, J. M., & Mozur, P. (Directors). (2016, August 9). How China Is Changing Your

Internet [Video file]. Retrieved November 11, 2016, from

http://www.nytimes.com/video/technology/100000004574648/china-internet-
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wechat.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FInternet%20Censorship%20in

%20China&action=click&contentCollection=worldion=stream&module=stream_

unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=collection

MacKinnon, R. (2010, July 16). China's Internet Censorship and Controls: The Context

of Google's Approach in China. Retrieved from

http://www.hrichina.org/en/content/3248

Media Censorship in China. (2015, April 7). Retrieved from

http://www.cfr.org/china/media-censorship-china/p11515

News, B. (2015, January 26). China blocks virtual private network use. Retrieved from

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30982198

"OgilvyOne: Chinese Social Media Users Actually Want To Be Your Friend."

Entertainment Close-up, 21 July 2010. General OneFile,

go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&sw=w&u=va_s_128_0920&v=2.1&id=GALE

%7CA232695616&it=r&asid=190e1cda0aab7c0b0e26149180b819fd

Ping, C. (2014, August 30). How Brainwashing Works in China. Retrieved from

https://chinachange.org/2014/08/30/how-brainwashing-works-in-china

Simonite, Tom. "Reading the tea leaves of censorship." Technology Review

[Cambridge, Mass.] July-Aug. 2013: 20. Business Economics and Theory

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Social Media. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social

%20media
Censorship of Social Media in China 15

Spencer, J. (2016, June 13). 2015 Chinese Social Media Statistics And Trends

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statistics/

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social-media-usage/
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Appendix A

Chinese Teacher Wan Zhang Questionnaire

1. When did you move to the United States?

2008

2. What social media is popular in China?

Weibo and WeChat

3. What was/were they used for?

Share information (news, personal). Doing business (selling)

4. What social media is popular in the United States?

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Snapchat

5. What was/were they used for?

Share information

6. What are some differences between the two types of social media?

Censor

7. What are some similarities between the two types of social media?

Share information

8. What are your thoughts on censorship? Good bad?

Not easily to say good or bad...but I would like to know the information I should

know as a citizen.

9. Did you feel limited/censored to what you could access when in China using their

media?

No, we all know the way to get around. People share quicker than the censor.
 Censorship of Social Media in China 17

10. What ways are there to get around the government's censoring?

VPN

11. What do you think about the chinese app WeChat?

An app that could be very awesome if there are not many people selling stuff on

it...an app that could get you in trouble if you are hiding something

12. Is there an American app like WeChat in the United States?

Unknown