Gao Yu, a well-known independent journalist in China, has been cut off from the Internet and communication by the authorities since the end of August, making her life in Beijing difficult. Unable to make calls, surf the Internet, or even make appointments for medical treatment, almost all daily tasks that rely on mobile phones and the Internet have become difficult to complete. However, despite experiencing a two-month "outage", Gao Yu, 80, firmly stated that she would not give up her voice on social media X (formerly Twitter). She said frankly: "I will not be silent."

Being "socially dead": the dilemma of life without freedom of communication

In an interview, Gao Yu described that since August 26, her mobile phone, landline and broadband services have been completely cut off, making it almost impossible to complete the basic activities required in daily life. In a city like Beijing that relies heavily on mobile payment and digital verification, the Internet outage means that she cannot shop online, order takeout, or take a taxi. Even shopping in physical stores is difficult because she cannot scan the code to pay. Without a mobile phone, she has to wait on the street and try to stop the occasional empty car passing by.

For an independent journalist like Gao Yu, the impact of the Internet outage is not limited to the convenience of life, but also directly limits her ability to work. She cannot use her laptop to search for information or publish articles online. The only thing she can rely on is to post tweets intermittently by "freeloading" at the doorstep of her neighbor's house or in a restaurant. Despite this, she still insists on posting articles on X every day to maintain her voice to the society.

Medical Problem: Deprivation of the Right to Safety and Health

Losing Internet connection not only affects Gao Yu's life, but also poses a threat to her health and safety. Gao Yu suffered a comminuted fracture of her left shoulder due to a car accident in her early years, and still needs regular follow-up visits and medication. However, without a mobile phone and WeChat, she cannot register and make an appointment with a doctor, and basic medical services are almost unguaranteed. At the same time, the "one-button" emergency call device provided by Beijing for the elderly over 80 years old has become a "decoration" in Gao Yu's home. If an accident occurs, she will not be able to call the 120 emergency number, and her life safety is at great risk.

"Chilling Effect": The Cost of Speech and the Dilemma of Dissidents

It is generally believed that the Internet disconnection is a means for the authorities to put pressure on Gao Yu, intending to force her to close her social media account. However, Gao Yu bluntly stated that she would not compromise. Since 2009, her account on the X platform has accumulated nearly 450,000 followers. Her comments on the platform often point directly to the crux of current affairs. Even during the period when she could only post online, she still insisted on speaking out.

She gave an example. On November 1, she commented on the hunger strike protest of human rights lawyer Wang Yu on the X platform. She wrote: "Without judicial justice and hideous law enforcement, the ugliness exposed in society will become more and more frequent." Gao Yu emphasized that the suppression of speech will not stop her from exposing social problems. She said: "I only have a small Twitter account. Why are you so scared?"

The phenomenon of "forced travel": the forced "stability maintenance" faced by dissidents

In addition to cutting off communication means, the Chinese Communist Party authorities also forced Gao Yu to leave Beijing for the so-called "forced travel" during major events or sensitive dates. So far this year, Gao Yu has been "forced travel" three times. The police took her away from Beijing during the National People's Congress, the anniversary of June 4, and the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The most recent "forced tour" took place on August 28, when the local police station chief tried to take her to the Shandong seaside for a "tour" because Beijing was going to host the China-Africa Cooperation Forum. However, this time Gao Yu refused to go out. She said, "I don't have a mobile phone. What if I can't find anyone when I go out?" Under her resolute resistance, the chief had to park the car in front of her house and put her under 24-hour surveillance.

Expert analysis: CCP's fear and suppression of dissenting voices

Gao Yu's situation has aroused discussion among many observers who pay attention to human rights in China. Current affairs commentator Guo Baosheng pointed out that the Chinese authorities' implementation of Internet disconnection measures against Gao Yu without any legal basis reflects the CCP's fear of dissenting voices and lack of confidence in its own governance. He believes that Gao Yu's voice not only hits the point, but also attracts widespread attention internationally, which is one of the reasons why the CCP has used all means to silence her.

Wang Dan, a former leader of the June 4th student movement in Beijing, said that Gao Yu's resolute struggle reflects her fearlessness as a senior journalist, but her power is limited in the face of the authorities' comprehensive blockade and suppression. He believes that the CCP's Internet disconnection measures against Gao Yu are not only intended to deter her personally, but also to deter other domestic dissidents and warn them not to cross the red line of speech drawn by the authorities.

International appeal for freedom of speech and human rights

Gao Yu's "Internet-free life" allows people to see the profound impact of information blockade on personal life and basic rights, and also reveals the complex situation faced by Chinese dissidents. Gao Yu firmly stated that she will continue to speak out on the X platform and speak for those groups that cannot speak out. However, experts pointed out that in the face of such severe suppression, it is difficult to change the status quo by relying on personal struggle alone, and the support and attention of the international community is particularly important. As Wang Dan said, the international community should pay more attention to human rights issues in China to protect the basic rights of those who are still speaking out.

Gao Yu's persistence and unyielding spirit have become a symbol of China's struggle for freedom of speech, and her experience has also aroused people's attention to the living environment of more dissidents.