Have you ever wanted to access information online but couldn’t due to censorship laws? Virtual Private Networks or VPNs are tools that can help circumvent internet censorship and allow you to access the open web. VPNs mask your online activity and location, hiding your internet traffic from prying eyes. By connecting to a remote VPN server, your internet service provider and government censors are unable to see what websites you access or what information you view online. VPNs have become an important tool for journalists, activists, and citizens around the world seeking to challenge censorship and access information freely. If you’re looking to get around internet censorship or just want to browse privately, a VPN could be the solution you need to unlock the open internet.
Internet censorship refers to the control and suppression of online information that is deemed objectionable or politically sensitive. Many countries heavily censor the internet to restrict citizens’ access to content that could threaten political stability or cultural norms.
Governments often block popular social media platforms and communication apps, like Facebook or Whatsapp, that are used to spread ideas and organize protests. They also routinely censor information about human rights, political dissent, and government criticism. Some regimes go as far as banning entire websites and closely monitoring citizens’ online activities.
While censorship is sometimes framed as a way to protect national security or cultural values, it frequently violates civil liberties and limits access to information. VPNs (virtual private networks) and other privacy tools have become popular ways for citizens trapped behind censorship firewalls to bypass restrictions and access the open internet.
Using encrypted tunnels to hide online activity from prying eyes, VPNs offer a way to evade censorship and protect digital privacy. Although some governments have attempted to block VPN use, many services frequently update their technology to stay one step ahead of censors. For citizens living under repressive regimes, tools like VPNs provide a crucial lifeline to information and a small taste of internet freedom.
The spread of censorship-circumvention technology highlights the eternal battle between those who want to control and limit access to information, and those fighting for transparency and open access to ideas. While internet censorship may be an unfortunate reality of the modern world, so long as there are restrictions, there will also be those working to challenge them.
VPNs work by encrypting all the data you send and receive on the internet, hiding your online activity from prying eyes
When you connect to a VPN, it creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server in another location. Your internet traffic is sent through this tunnel, hiding what websites you visit and files you access from your internet service provider (ISP) and anyone else monitoring the network.
Because your data is encrypted, censorship tools can’t see what content you’re accessing or block websites and services. VPNs also allow you to virtually change your location by connecting to a server in a different country. This lets you access content that may be restricted in your current location.
Many VPN services offer apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, making it easy to turn the VPN on and off when needed. All you have to do is sign up for a reputable VPN service, download the app, and connect to a server in a location where the content you want to access isn’t censored. Just like that, you’ve gained access to a world of information.
VPNs have helped citizens circumvent censorship laws and access restricted information in several countries. Here are a few case studies of how VPNs challenged censorship:
China’s government restricts access to websites like Google, Facebook, and Western news media. Many Chinese citizens use VPNs to tunnel under the Great Firewall and access the open internet. Though VPNs are officially banned, the government has struggled to block them completely. Some estimates say over 30% of China’s population uses VPNs.
In 2014, Turkey banned Twitter and YouTube following leaks of government corruption. Turkish citizens turned to VPNs and were able to bypass the ban, with Twitter traffic actually increasing during the ban. The government eventually lifted the ban, showing how VPNs rendered their censorship ineffective.
Egypt regularly blocks websites critical of the government. In May 2017, they blocked access to 21 news sites. In response, more Egyptians began using VPNs. The government then blocked many VPNs and proxies, but tech-savvy citizens found workarounds. Egypt’s VPN crackdown highlights a common pattern where censorship leads citizens to adopt VPNs, forcing governments into an endless game of cat-and-mouse.
VPNs empower citizens to freely access information and share ideas without restrictions. While countries may enact laws to curb access to certain data, VPNs provide a means for people to sidestep barriers, challenge censorship, and promote the open exchange of knowledge across borders.
If you want to access restricted or censored content from other countries using a VPN, it’s important to understand the legal issues involved. Some countries have laws against accessing certain types of content or using VPNs and proxy services to bypass internet censorship. Be aware of the laws in your own country as well as any country you connect to through your VPN.
Familiarize yourself with your own nation’s laws on internet censorship and privacy. Some countries like China and Russia have bans on using VPNs and proxy services to access restricted content. Other countries like the US currently have few laws limiting VPN use, but that could change. Stay up-to-date on proposals in your country that could impact internet freedom and privacy.
The country where your VPN service’s servers are located also matters. For example, if you use a VPN to access content in a country like the UK or Canada where there are few censorship laws, that should be less legally problematic. However, connecting to a country with strict internet controls could put you at higher risk of legal issues. Some VPN services are very transparent about which countries they have servers in, while others are more opaque. Choose a service that is open about their server locations and policies.
Be aware that accessing certain types of content through a VPN, even if not illegal, could violate copyright law or promote internet piracy. For example, accessing region-locked streaming content that you have not paid for or downloading pirated media would be unethical and could have legal consequences. Only use your VPN to access content that you have the legal right to view.
The future of internet freedom and censorship circumvention looks bright. As censorship technologies become more sophisticated, so do the tools for bypassing them. VPNs and other privacy tools are constantly evolving to stay one step ahead of repressive laws and firewalls.
There is an ongoing “arms race” between those who want to restrict access to information and those fighting for open access. Censors develop new ways to block content and monitor users; circumvention tools then find new ways to bypass the censors. For example, when China upgraded its Great Firewall, VPN companies released updates to overcome the new blocks. This back-and-forth battle will likely continue for the foreseeable future.
However, censorship circumvention may gain the upper hand. VPNs and other privacy technologies are becoming more popular, accessible and user-friendly. As more people worldwide gain access to technology and education, the demand for open access to information will only grow. Open-source, decentralized tools are also making censorship circumvention more difficult to stop.
There is a gradual spread of laws upholding principles of openness and transparency. More countries are enacting freedom of information laws, protecting whistleblowers, and upholding net neutrality. The recent UN resolution condemning internet shutdowns shows growing global support for online freedom. While censorship and surveillance are still widespread, the overall trend seems to point toward more access and accountability.
Of course, new threats to internet freedom emerge regularly. But as long as there are people fighting to keep the flow of information open, censorship circumvention tools will continue to adapt and advance.
VPNs are powerful tools that can help circumvent censorship and protect your online privacy. By encrypting your internet connection and hiding your online activity, VPNs give you the freedom to access any website or service you want without worrying about prying eyes. While censorship and surveillance are concerning trends, VPNs prove that individuals still have power over their digital lives.