Green VPN, reported by “some” to be one of the best VPNs for China is shutting down. The reason is Chinese regulators are shutting down the service due to cross-border operations without governmental approval.
Here is what Green VPN has on their website, in Chinese, and English.
“尊敬的Green用户
接上级监管部门通知，我们必须很遗憾地告诉大家：Green将于2017年7月1日起停止服务。由此给各位造成的不便，我们深表歉意！
服务停止后，我们将开始处理需要退款的用户申请（金额根据剩余的服务天数计算）。如需退款，请务必于2017年8月31日前提交退款信息，超过该时间将无法受理。由于登记、核对、转账的工作量较大，退款到账时间暂无法承诺，但Green必将倾力做好最后的退款服务，敬请您能耐心地等待退款到账。
是您的每一次点赞与肯定，鼓励我们一直坚持到了今天，我们始终心存感激。此后，Green团队将进行转型，期待有缘与您再次相会”
“We must regret to inform you that Green will cease to service on July 1, 2017. We apologize for any inconvenience caused to you.
Once the service has ceased, we will begin processing the user requests for refunds (based on the remaining number of days of service). For refunds, please be sure to submit your refund information by August 31, 2017, beyond that time will be unacceptable.
Due to the large amount of registration, checking and transfer, the refund can not be promised, but Green will be able to do the final refund service. Please feel patiently waiting for the refund.
Is your every point of praise and affirmation, encourage us to always adhere to today, we always feel grateful. Since then, the Green team will transition and look forward to meeting you again.”
One reason Green VPN is shutting down is that they are based in China, unlike VPNs like TorGuard that still work well in China due to a US based location. Other VPNs like VTRSpeed, which is also based in China, has many issues with IP address blocks.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China plans to regulate VPNs heavily in the future as we see more and more surveillance laws, tools, and operations ongoing. The Chinese government plans to clear out unlicensed business operations and basic telecommunication companies that are carrying out cross border operations.
Many Chinese users need VPNs to access sites like YouTube, or access websites deemed unfit for public exposure from the Government. Every year, more and more websites are blocked without good reasons.
