Two prominent Chinese bloggers in exile have revealed that Chinese police are investigating their millions of followers on international social media platforms, signaling an escalation of Beijing's efforts to suppress critical speech beyond its borders.
Former state broadcaster CCTV journalist and artist-turned-dissident have separately disclosed that police are interrogating individuals who follow them on social media. They have advised their followers to take precautions such as unfollowing their accounts, changing usernames, avoiding Chinese-made phones, and preparing for potential questioning.
One of the bloggers, known as Teacher Li, gained prominence for sharing uncensored news, including coverage of the White Paper protests in mainland China in 2022. Teacher Li's social media account now posts news and videos submitted by users, covering a range of topics censored on the Chinese internet.
Both bloggers have witnessed a decline in their follower counts after urging their supporters to unsubscribe. Despite the police scrutiny, they remain committed to sharing information but have emphasized the importance of digital safety measures for their followers.
Chinese authorities have a history of cracking down on dissent on domestic social media platforms, employing thousands of censors to monitor and control online content. Users expressing critical views have faced harassment, interrogation, and even detention.
Recent leaks have revealed China's efforts to extend its surveillance to non-Chinese social media platforms, with tools developed to monitor and curb dissent on international platforms like X and Facebook. The leaked documents also exposed tactics used by Chinese police to identify and surveil users, including hacking email accounts and unmasking anonymous individuals.
Despite the risks, the bloggers remain determined to share uncensored news from China, urging their followers to prioritize their safety while seeking information. The ongoing crackdown on dissent, both domestically and internationally, underscores Beijing's stringent control over online discourse and its efforts to stifle critical voices.
