China has around 19 percent of the world’s population, with a total of 1.2 billion people. In 2012, there were 51 million new Internet users, making a total of 564 million people in China using the Internet, which is just below half of China’s population.
The increase of the 51 million new Internet users was around 10 percent of the total users in China, and even though China’s Internet is still censored, more and more people are beginning to use it.
The majority of new users in China were largely mobile users, with mobile usage up around 18.1 percent. Approximately 75 percent of the total people online in China are using smartphones and tablets to connect to the web.
Growth of Mobile Internet Usage
The surge in mobile Internet usage in China can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the affordability and accessibility of smartphones have significantly improved, making it easier for a broader segment of the population to go online. Additionally, the expansion of 4G networks across urban and rural areas has provided faster and more reliable Internet connections, encouraging more people to use mobile devices for their online activities.
Moreover, mobile applications and social media platforms have become integral parts of daily life in China. Apps like WeChat and TikTok (known as Douyin in China) have millions of active users who rely on these platforms for communication, entertainment, and even business transactions. The convenience and versatility of these apps have played a crucial role in driving the adoption of mobile Internet.
Impact of Internet Censorship
Despite the rapid growth in Internet users, China’s Internet remains heavily censored. The Chinese government employs a range of measures to control and monitor online content, including the Great Firewall, which blocks access to many foreign websites and services. Social media platforms and search engines are also subject to strict regulations, requiring them to filter and remove content deemed inappropriate or politically sensitive.
However, this censorship has not deterred the population from going online. Instead, it has led to the development of a unique digital ecosystem within China. Domestic companies like Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent have thrived, creating alternatives to Western services such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook. These companies have tailored their offerings to comply with local regulations while meeting the needs and preferences of Chinese users.
Furthermore, the rise of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) has allowed some users to bypass censorship and access restricted content. Although the government has cracked down on VPN usage, many people still find ways to use these tools to reach the broader Internet.
The growth of Internet users in China, particularly mobile users, reflects the country’s rapid technological advancement and the increasing importance of digital connectivity in everyday life. While Internet censorship remains a significant challenge, it has also spurred the development of a robust and innovative domestic tech industry. As China continues to evolve, the number of Internet users is expected to keep rising, further integrating the digital world into the fabric of Chinese society.
Source Ubergizmo
Image Credit EM
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