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Here are 7 entries for banned apps & websites in China: what was banned, when, why, and whether the ban is still in force. Tap any item for the full story.
ChinaBannedGoogle SearchGoogle moved its Chinese search service to Hong Kong in 2010 after refusing to censor results; its services are blocked by the Great Firewall.Apps & WebsitesSince 2010Details →ChinaBannedFacebookBlocked after the July 2009 Ürümqi unrest, when authorities said the platform was used to organise protests.Apps & WebsitesSince 2009Details →ChinaBannedInstagramBlocked during the 2014 Hong Kong protests and never restored.Apps & WebsitesSince 2014Details →ChinaBannedWhatsAppFully blocked in 2017; its end-to-end encryption cannot be monitored by the state.Apps & WebsitesSince 2017Details →ChinaBannedWikipediaAll language editions have been blocked since April 2019.Apps & WebsitesSince 2019Details →ChinaBannedX (Twitter)Blocked since 2009 together with most foreign social networks.Apps & WebsitesSince 2009Details →ChinaBannedYouTubeBlocked by the Great Firewall since 2009.Apps & WebsitesSince 2009Details →
Frequently Asked Questions
What apps & websites are banned in China?
Our list has 7 banned or restricted apps & websites in China, including Google Search (2010), Facebook (2009), Instagram (2014) and WhatsApp (2017).
Is this list up to date?
We review entries regularly and add new bans as they happen. Laws change, so check an official government source before you travel or act on this information.
Laws change often and many bans have exceptions. This list is for general information, not legal or travel advice. Check official government sources before you travel. Last updated: 12/10/2026.