(Newswire.net — January 12, 2022) — As international travel begins returning to normal we might find ourselves traveling abroad in the near future. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you might struggle to access the websites you usually do while you’re in some countries.
The world wide web is technically not so ‘worldwide’ after all. This is because of internet censorship which is more common than you might think. This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you are not prepared.
However, luckily there is a way that you can overcome this obstacle. You can use a premium VPN to bypass censorship. If you would like to know more about internet censorship and how you can get past it, read on to find out.
Why Does Internet Censorship Exist?
Internet censorship has existed for several years in some countries. Each country has its own reasons for having internet censorship. Oftentimes they range between religious and political reasons.
For example, Middle Eastern countries block websites that have explicit or anti-Islamic content. This is mainly due to their religious beliefs, and they avoid exposing their citizens to this type of content.
On the other hand, China has strict censorship laws for political reasons. Many websites such as social media, foreign news outlets, and even some Google services are blocked in China to protect the government.
Protestors and activists have used social media to coordinate protests against the government in the past. Foreign news outlets and Google have written damaging statements about the Chinese government which undermines their leadership. If you’re within Chinese borders you won’t be able to access social media websites, foreign news, or even some Google services.
Which Countries Use Internet Censorship?
There are several different countries around the world that use internet censorship. If you are within the country’s borders, the websites will automatically be blocked if they do not comply with the laws of the country you are visiting. Below is a list of some countries with censored internet access.
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- China
- Cuba
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Iran
- Kazakhstan
- Myanmar
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Sudan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
It’s important to take note of which countries use internet censorship as you may need to install your VPN before traveling to these countries. Many of the countries that use internet censorship will also block the websites that allow you to download and install a VPN on your device. Thus making it impossible to install a VPN and unblock websites once you are within the country’s borders.
How to Bypass Internet Censorship
Your access to a website can be blocked based on your IP address. An IP address is a unique identifier and one of its primary jobs is to pinpoint your exact physical location. If your IP address is found to be within the borders of a country that uses internet censorship, some websites will automatically be blocked, making it impossible for you to access them.
Luckily though, your IP address is not a ball and chain, and there is a way that you can change it. Changing your IP address will allow you to unblock websites and access them as if you were in a different country.
You can use a premium VPN or virtual private network to act as your digital cloak to change your IP address and unblock censored websites. A VPN is a cybersecurity tool that is able to encrypt your internet connection. Doing so will mask what you do online and where you are by connecting to a secure global server in a different country or city.
How to Install a VPN
Installing a VPN is as simple as following the quick step-by-step guide that we have provided for you below;
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Choose a VPN provider. Each VPN provider has its benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to do thorough research and find the one that works best for you. Remember to avoid free VPN apps if possible.
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Download and install the VPN on your preferred device. The majority of premium VPNs will be readily available on all major app stores. You can also visit the VPN provider’s website and install the application from there.
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Create an account with the VPN provider. This can be done by simply following the on-screen instructions.
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Launch your VPN. Once you open up your VPN app you can choose which global server you would like to connect to. The server you choose will have an effect on the websites you can access and the content you see on your browser, for example, the type of adverts. Also, the distance of the server to you can determine the speed of your connection.
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Enjoy browsing the internet without censorship and with improved privacy and security!
It’s important to note that you should avoid using a free VPN as it has several drawbacks that could affect its ability to unblock websites. These drawbacks include slower connection speeds, limited global servers to choose from, and a daily data cap which is usually not enough to browse the internet for more than an hour. You should always use a reputable, verified VPN software provider.