Clubhouse no longer accessible in China

(Screenshot: TechNode) (Screenshot: TechNode) The hit audio-only social network Clubhouse appears not to be accessible in mainland China as of 7:30 p.m. Monday evening. As of writing, TechNode reporters and contacts opening the app receive an error message reading “An SSL error has occurred and a secure connection to the server cannot be made.” The main field of the app, which normally displays a list of conversations and activity, is empty except the suggestion to “Start a new room to get a conversation going!” Why it matters: While Chinese internet regulation can be unpredictable, Clubhouse is probably gone for good from Chinese networks. Context: The hit app has provided a rare, unfiltered space for online discussion mainland China. In recent days, thousands of users flooded into Chinese-language groups discussing normally off-limits topics, leading many to predict that it was only a matter of time before the app was blocked. David Cohen is the acting editor in chief of TechNode. Since 2010, he has covered China as a writer and editor at outlets including the Diplomat, the Jamestown Foundation, and China Policy.  » Read More