Recently, in Southern California, USA, a Chinese individual returned to China to visit family and used a “climbing over the wall” software to manage business affairs abroad, leading to the suspension of their WeChat account for one week. They expressed feeling like being in a prison these few days as all their work usually requires communication through WeChat groups.
According to a report by the World Journal on December 10th, Alan Zhang resides in Chino Hills, California, and rents out properties in Malaysia and the Philippines as homestays.
In mid-November this year, he went back to his hometown in China with his family for over ten days. During this time, he used a communication app called Viber (which is considered a “climbing over the wall” software) downloaded on his phone to communicate with a bank manager in Malaysia about business, which lasted for only about 3 minutes. Shortly after, he received a message from his WeChat group, notifying him of an abnormal communication environment and the need for a one-week silence, with his Moments section also being blocked.
Being forced offline prevented him from responding to the messages sent by his employees in the group. He mentioned that all his work usually involves operations through WeChat groups and that he rarely saves clients’ phone numbers. During the mandated offline week, he deeply experienced the pain of losing the freedom to converse.
“Suddenly, I felt like being in a glass prison. I could see the messages in the work group and receive information from work partners, but I just couldn’t communicate. I became mute,” he said.
A friend in his hometown reminded him that whether it’s through mobile phones or the internet in China, using a certain type of communication software to communicate with foreign countries requires extra caution.
Upon returning to Los Angeles, he said, “The feeling of freedom is truly wonderful!”
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This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals operating businesses internationally while navigating communication restrictions and the impact it can have on their daily operations. It underscores the reliance on digital platforms like WeChat for conducting business and staying connected, highlighting the vulnerabilities that arise from disruptions in these channels.
The experience of being cut off from essential communication tools like WeChat due to regulatory measures serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining alternate communication methods and being mindful of the potential consequences of using certain software in restricted environments. It emphasizes the need for businesses to have contingency plans in place to ensure continuity in operations even in unforeseen circumstances.
Alan Zhang’s ordeal underscores the fine line entrepreneurs walk in leveraging technology to facilitate global business while being subject to regulatory constraints that can impede their ability to correspond effectively. His relief upon returning to a more permissive communication environment speaks to the value of unrestricted access to communication tools for individuals conducting business across borders.
As technology continues to shape the way businesses operate on a global scale, instances like these serve as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs to navigate the regulatory landscape with vigilance and adaptability to ensure seamless communication and operations regardless of geographical boundaries.