Observed Signal · Feb 9, 2021 · Regulation · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Negative
China blocks Clubhouse amid censorship
Clubhouse, a drop-in audio social app, has been blocked in China as authorities tightened censorship. The measure, announced at the start of the week, blocks access to Clubhouse and its companion apps for users located in China. The ban followed a rise in discussions that criticized the Chinese government, including topics such as the treatment of Uighurs. The Great Fire, a watchdog that tracks Chinese censorship, confirmed that Chinese users can no longer connect to Clubhouse. Previously, Clubhouse had been unavailable in the Chinese Apple Store since October 2020, though some users circumvented restrictions by using foreign Apple IDs. The app’s invitation-based model led to an active market where invitations reportedly traded for around 300 yuan. There are concerns about state security possibly identifying participants due to registration details tied to phone numbers.
Moderate impact; regulatory action affecting a major social app in China.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Clubhouse access blocked in China by authorities.
- Great Fire confirms users in China cannot connect to Clubhouse.
- Clubhouse had been unavailable in the Chinese Apple Store since Oct 2020.
- Invite market: invitations traded for about 300 yuan.
- Concerns about state security identifying participants via phone-number-linked registrations.
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