\n
The messaging service WhatsApp has been disrupted in China as the government steps up security ahead of a Communist Party meeting next month.<\/p>\n
Users have faced problems with the app for more than a week with services dropping in and out.<\/p>\n
At times, it has been completely blocked and only accessible via virtual private networks (VPNs) which circumvent China\u2019s internet firewall.<\/p>\n
WhatsApp is Facebook\u2019s only product allowed to operate in mainland China.<\/p>\n
Facebook\u2019s main social media service and its Instagram image sharing app are not available on the mainland.<\/p>\n
Services disrupted<\/h2>\n
The BBC\u2019s China based correspondents said the WhatsApp messaging service started going offline more than a week ago.<\/p>\n
A test of its services on Tuesday showed users in China could not send video messages or photographs to people outside China.<\/p>\n
The disruption follows restrictions on WhatsApp video chats and photographs in July, which were later lifted.<\/p>\n
The tightening of online censorship comes as China steps up security ahead of the Communist Party\u2019s national congress which is held every five years.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe run-up period to a gathering is normally a time of greater restrictions of all kinds to assure that the critical Party Congress is held under ideal social conditions and is not disrupted\u201d, Robert Lawrence Kuhn, long-time advisor to China\u2019s leaders and multinational corporations told the BBC.<\/p>\n
However, he said it is not yet clear whether the restrictions will be relaxed as has happened after previous party congresses, adding that many analysts do not believe they will be.<\/p>\n
WhatsApp has declined to comment on the latest clampdown.<\/p>\n
Tech crackdown<\/h2>\n
WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption which ensures only the sender and recipient can view the content of messages.<\/p>\n
It also prevents Facebook from knowing what is said in any text, voice and video conversation being communicated on WhatsApp.<\/p>\n
\u201cChina has shown little tolerance to encryption especially on platforms that can be used to share materials or potential propaganda,\u201d Bill Taylor-Mountford, Asia Pacific vice president for LogRhythm told the BBC.<\/p>\n
The latest disruption to WhatsApp appears to be part of a broader crackdown on the internet and online content in China.<\/p>\n
On Monday, China\u2019s cyber watchdog handed down maximum penalties to some of the country\u2019s top technology firms including Tencent, Baidu and Weibo for failing to properly censor online content.<\/p>\n
The penalties were imposed for failing to remove fake news and pornography, as well as content that authorities said \u201cincites ethic tension\u201d and \u201cthreatens social order\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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