China has largely blocked instant messaging service WhatsApp.
The internet service providers in the country started blocking access to WhatsApp on September 23, according to the Open Observatory of Network Interference or OONI, an observation network for detecting censorship, surveillance and traffic manipulation.
Chinese users in recent days have reported widespread disruptions to the service. WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, is yet to make an official announcement on the development.
Chinese authorities, which closely monitor and restrict cyberspace through their "Great Firewall", usually tighten surveillance around major events. As per reports, many Chinese activists use WhatsApp over local messaging apps for its end-to-end encryption function.
Meanwhile, Chinese cyberspace regulators reportedly said Monday that they have given maximum fines on major Chinese tech firms Baidu and Tencent for allowing the publication of banned material on their social media platforms.