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Contd. Blocking VPNs & Circumvention Tools block access to specific service providers, with Geedge managing a mobile device farm to install and operate VPN applications within a controlled environment. Additionally, employees of Geedge Networks appear to possess the capability to create a Wi-Fi network within their office that connects any device to a customer network remotely. This functionality allows them to verify that the blocking mechanisms are operating effectively in real-world scenarios. Even when TSG is unable to identify the specific application or service associated with a user’s activity, identification, it can the flag any system can unusual be large traffic configured to flows as suspicious. block the flagged Following traffic this after a predetermined period, for example 24 hours. This approach corresponds to observations of the GFW, which has been observed similarly blocking any high-bandwidth encrypted traffic flow after a certain duration, even if it cannot identify the specific nature of the traffic9. AppSketch is a database that serves as the centralized repository where Geedge creates profiles for all service providers based on their traffic fingerprints10 allowing clients to more selectively approved block VPNs companies and or other applications government such organizations. that they might still AppSketch makes it be so used that by those developing the blocking rules do not need to have deep technical knowledge, meaning that client governments are able to whitelist certain companies to use VPNs and determine which VPNs are allowed. As an example, the Cybersecurity Law of Myanmar indicates that the government of Myanmar maintains a list of companies that can use restricted VPNs and applications (see full section on Myanmar below). Geedge Networks is in the process of developing a sandbox engine called   AppSketch Works, which is designed to automatically generate application classification profiles. This kind of product would allow the client to run any application on a phone and the system would automatically learn how to block it on the network.

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The Internet Coup A Technical Analysis on How a Chinese Company is Exporting The Great Firewall to Autocratic Regimes

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English

Topic

Digital Rights
Digital Surveillance
Internet Connectivity / Accessibility
Internet Restrictions

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INTER SECLAB

Date Published: Sep 9, 2025

Abstract: Over the past two decades, the Chinese government has been steadily refining their model of internet control using surveillance and censorship technologies domestically while promoting this approach to other nations under the banner of “digital sovereignty”. Through the export of these technologies, China is not only extending its global influence but also laying the foundation for a federated system of internet governance. In this system, Chinese companies provide the infrastructure and expertise for client governments to more easily monitor and control their own networks, while learning from these deployments and improving collective capacity for digital authoritarianism worldwide.

This research by InterSecLab uncovers evidence of the export of a suite of technologies resembling China’s Great Firewall by Geedge Networks, a private company linked to the academic entity ‘Massive and Effective Stream Analysis’ (Mesalab), a research laboratory at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Our team’s investigation identifies a pattern of commercialization of surveillance capabilities, with Geedge Networks offering a suite of products that enable comprehensive monitoring and control of internet users.

InterSecLab’s analysis reveals that Geedge Networks is contracted with governments in Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Myanmar, and one other unknown country to establish sophisticated systems of internet censorship and surveillance. Furthermore, our findings indicate that Geedge Networks is also involved in developing similar systems deployed within China, including in Xinjiang and other regions.

Based on analysis of a leak of more than 100,000 Geedge Networks documents that was shared with InterSecLab, this research sheds light on the features and capabilities of Geedge Networks’ systems, which include deep packet inspection, real-time monitoring of mobile subscribers, granular control over internet traffic, as well as censorship rules that can be tailored to each region. The leak also reveals information about Geedge Networks’ relationship with the academic entity, Mesalab, as well as their interactions with client governments. The implications for data sovereignty are significant, and our findings raise concerns about the commoditization of surveillance and information control technologies.

This research examines the recent development of Geedge Networks’ systems in various countries, including what is known about their deployment timelines. By analyzing the company’s internal documentation, InterSecLab was able to chronicle the expansion of commercially available national firewalls and speculate about the implications for the future of the global internet considering the spread of such systems.

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Myanmar Internet Project

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The Internet Coup A Technical Analysis on How a Chinese Company is Exporting The Great Firewall to Autocratic Regimes

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