Signal messenger stops working in China

Encrypted messaging app Signal appeared to no longer be working in China without the use of a virtual private network (VPN) on Tuesday morning, users in the country said.

China’s cyber authorities have become increasingly strict in recent years, widening the scope of apps, media outlets and social media sites banned in the country.

Signal’s website was also inaccessible in China on Tuesday morning.

The app was still available on Apple’s China app store as of Tuesday morning, and the app and website appeared to be working normally in Hong Kong.

Signal’s press team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Cyberspace Administration of China could not immediately be reached for comment.