Renowned Internet security company Avast blocked by Chinese authorities

Boxun’s correspondent has learned that the Czech Republic-based Internet security and anti-virus software company Avast has been blocked by Chinese authorities. Beginning Saturday February 28, 2015, Avast’s antivirus software wasn’t completely blocked, but the download speed was very slow, only about 80kb.

On Sunday March 1, 2015, netizen “Green Radish” sent a Twitter message, confirming that the Chinese authorities had blocked Avast. Green Radish said: Avast’s updated server has been blocked nationwide by the Great Firewall.

Avast is a product of a Czech software company. It was created in 1988, and currently has more than 200 million users worldwide. There is a free version and a paid version. Because its safety performance is very good, it is often recommended for use by international human rights organizations to human rights activists.

This follows the blacklisting of network security companies Symantec and Kaspersky by Chinese authorities for the government procurement list. It continues the blocking of international network security companies’ operations.

However, the specific reason Avast was blocked is not clear. Avast has also not issued a public statement. Some netizens speculate it’s related to Avast’s recent launch of a VPN service.
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