While many folks are still skeptical, another netizen has revealed a case from March 11, 2026, where the Xiaonan Branch of the Xiaogan Public Security Bureau dealt with a penalty for using a VPN to bypass the firewall. The violation was based on the 'Provisional Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of Computer Information Network International Networking,' issued in 1996. This time, the violation involved Articles 6, 8 (Clause 1), 10, and 14. Compared to the previous case, Articles 8 (Clause 1) and 10 were added. The penalty was 500 RMB, higher than the 200 RMB fine in the earlier case. Article 8, Clause 1: Accessing the network must be done through the interconnected network for international networking. Article 10: Individuals, legal entities, and other organizations (hereinafter collectively referred to as users) using computers or computer information networks that require international networking must do so through the interconnected network. Computers or computer information networks requiring access to the network, as stipulated in the previous clause, must obtain the consent of the access provider and complete registration procedures. Today, many people are saying that if you're just bypassing the firewall without engaging in 'anti-government' activities, you generally won't be penalized. I totally agree with this point. After all, current police resources are limited, and they can't punish every user who bypasses the firewall—it’s simply not feasible. However, laws may not necessarily exist to punish you right now but to provide grounds for punishment in the future if issues arise.