China has fortified its electronic defenses against the uncensored Internet with a crackdown on virtual private networks, or VPNs.

VPNs encrypt Internet communications, shielding the source.The technology allows users in China to bypass the government's firewall and access websites that are censored and restricted by the government.VPN services, which cost about $10 per month, have grown increasingly popular in China.

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has announced that a crackdown on VPNs will be part of its 14-month "clean up" of Internet services.China has announced new laws that will prohibit VPN services from operating within the country without government approval.Use of a VPN without permission will also be prohibited.

The Great Firewall of China limits access for the country's 730 million Internet users.Chinese users are prohibited from viewing websites dealing with sensitive issues like the political status of Tibet or 1989's protests in Tiananmen Square.

Google, Twitter, Facebook, and international news outlets are all blocked.China also censors some government criticism.Chinese activists have embraced and promoted tools like VPN services that help computer users bypass government restrictions.The Chinese government responds with new regulations and new software to eliminate unrestricted Internet access.

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