That terrifying VPN rumour isn't as bad as it seems

People started panicking after Ministry of Information announced new internet restrictions

On Sunday 22, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China (let's call them MIIT for short) announced plans to carry out a cyberspace clean-up lasting until March 31, 2018, seeking to eliminate illegal and unsanctioned 'special communications lines' – including VPNs.

Rumours began to spread, as people woke up in dread at the thought of a life without Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and abundant, easily accessible pornography. Thankfully, though, it seems personal users will be unaffected by the new regulations, with the MIIT announcement referring solely to enterprises.

So what does it mean for businesses? Before March 31, 2018, companies looking to use 'special connections' will have to register an approved account with the telecommunications authorities, detailing exactly what they will be using said connection for.

The official statement from the Ministry

The announcement alluded to the current cyber environment as a place with 'rare opportunity for progress and development', but one where 'disorder has developed', calling for urgent regulation. Through such new regulation, the MIIT hopes to 'strengthen management and security of data', 'safeguard a fair and orderly market' and 'promote healthy industry development.'

Business VPNers, best advice would be to seek clarification on what to do next, but if you just use a VPN for leisure and/or pleasure, then click away. Again, personal VPN use is not referenced in the announcement – they are as legit as they ever were. Which is still something of a grey area...