China Will Drop the Great Firewall For Some Users To Boost Free-Trade Port Ambitions

Hainan, China's southernmost province, is launching a pilot program to give select corporate users unrestricted access to the global internet. This move is unusual in a country known for its strict online censorship. The program, called "Global Connect," aims to transform Hainan into a global free-trade port. Eligible users can apply for the service through the Hainan International Data Comprehensive Service Centre. To qualify, employees must work for companies registered and operating in Hainan and have a 5G plan with one of China's three major state-backed carriers. Applicants must also submit their employer's information, including the company's Unified Social Credit Code, for approval. The approval process can take up to five months, according to HIDCSC staff. Once approved, users can bypass the Great Firewall, which blocks access to many popular websites like Google and Wikipedia. The program is overseen by the state-run Hainan Big Data Development Centre. The goal is to attract businesses and investment to Hainan, which is seeking to become a global free-trade port.