Hong Kong protests: Instagram 'blocked' in China as candid images expose reality of rallies
The photo-sharing site is reportedly unavailable to Chinese social media users
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Instagram has reportedly been blocked in China, amid fierce clashes between pro-democracy supporters and police in Hong Kong.
The photo and video-sharing service, which is owned by Facebook Inc, has been put on lockdown by police, according to various sources. Reuters cited Hong Kong-based reporters with The New York Times as being among those to report the story.
The website comparitech also indicated that Instagram was blocked across China, including in Beijing and Shenzhen. It suggested that Facebook has also been limited.
The reports come as pro-democracy protesters, some wearing surgical masks and holding up umbrellas to protect against tear gas, expand their rallies throughout Hong Kong in protest against Beijing's decision to limit democratic reforms in the Asian financial hub.
Images of the clashes, which have been broadcast across the world, are undermining Hong Kong's image as a safe financial haven, and have raised the stakes of the face-off against President Xi Jinping's government.
Many of the photos have been labelled with the hashtag "Occupy Central," a phrase that was blocked on Sunday on Weibo, China's version of Twitter. It had been allowed earlier in the day.
China has called the protests illegal and endorsed the Hong Kong government's crackdown, but the social media blockade will not prevent users in Hong Kong from continuing to post on the site.
The Independent has contacted Instagram regarding the reports.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments