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China internet censors scramble as lockdown frustration sparks ‘creative’ wave of dissent | China

Experts say volume of dissent from Shanghai over zero-Covid measures challenging attempts to control information

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Experts say volume of dissent from Shanghai over zero-Covid measures challenging attempts to control information

Highlights

  • China’s strict system of censorship is struggling against the onslaught of complaints from Shanghai.
  • Residents find creative ways to get around bans on words, hashtags and even lyrics from the national anthem.
  • Government has urged residents to harness “positive energy” in response to weeks-long lockdown.
  • On WeChat, groups have shared the names and stories of people who died, either with Covid or because the lockdown delayed their access to healthcare.
  • Many of these posts have been quickly deleted, including an article by a leading Chinese health expert.
  • Platforms have also censored videos of protests and outrage over the separation of Covid-positive children from their parents.