Being denied access to a website is the virtual equivalent of a bouncer turning you down at the entrance to a nightclub – minus the woeful attempt to convince them that you aren’t too drunk. Stay with me on this one…
The fact is, internet censorship is a common issue and something we have all had to deal with at some point or other. Whether it’s been put in place by the government, internet service provider (ISP), or our employer, it’s undoubtedly frustrating and a huge obstacle that limits our access to knowledge and prevents our freedom of expression.
If you’re looking for ways to overcome such obstacles, then you’ve definitely come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll provide information on why these restrictions exist and tips on how to bypass internet censorship with a VPN and other methods, so that you can access the content you want, when you want.
What Is Internet Censorship?
Internet censorship means that certain content found online has been suppressed for access. Generally speaking, if content has been censored, it is no longer legal to view and therefore as good as impossible to access as long as you’re in the jurisdiction of the censoring body.
Additionally, sharing the content is also considered a crime. However, there are ways to bypass internet censorship. But who’s blocking us in the first place? Listed below are the various bodies responsible for restricting access to certain websites.
● Government – the government can have a number of motives for censoring certain websites, whether it’s political, safety, or as a bid to control any information that’s put out to the general public that could potentially influence or sway the overall opinion.
● Employer – that’s right, they’re onto you. Many employers will censor certain websites to prevent you from getting distracted by the job.
● Internet service provider – you can censor certain websites in your home by contacting your ISP, such as blocking any content you don’t want your children accessing for example.
● Schools/colleges – similar to employers, schools and colleges may censor websites, such as YouTube, to prevent young people from getting too distracted when trying to work, or accessing content that isn’t appropriate for young people.
10 Ways to Bypass Internet Censorship
Although it may seem impossible to bypass internet restrictions, there are plenty of ways to do so. We’ll outline 10 best methods for bypassing internet censorship and highlight the pros and cons of each.
Using a VPN
One of the most common ways to bypass those pesky blockers is to install a VPN. It’s super easy, and we’ve included detailed steps below!
Using proxy servers
Proxy servers are a good way of accessing restricted content, as when in use, all requests sent by you pass through a server before reaching the blocked site.
Using custom DNS
Custom DNS is an inexpensive method to bypass censorship.
Using special browsers
Special browsers are available, such as Tor, which will allow you to easily access the sites you want.
Using SSH tunnelling
SSH tunneling provides a secure connection to a remote server, helping you access the content you’re otherwise blocked from.
Using browser extensions
There are plenty of browser extensions available that you can add-on with next to no effort required.
Using HTML to PDF converters
While you may not be able to navigate around the site you’re blocked from (as it’s a read-only PDF), you can still access information.
Using an IP address
Instead of inputting a URL when browsing restricted content, use an IP address instead!
Using Google Cache
Okay, you may not be able to access the most current version of the restricted site, but you can visit an older version using Google Cache.
Using Google Translate
Again, you may not be able to access the site directly using this method, but it’s still one good way of retrieving the information you want to see as it appears as a translation request.
Bypass Internet Censorship With a VPN
Those looking to bypass internet censorship will find that VPN is often the most effective tool. Using a VPN will mask your IP address in the guise of being in a different location, as though you are accessing the site from a completely different country, without you even having to step out your front door. The genius behind a VPN is that it encrypts your internet traffic and every bit of info, routing it through servers all around the world. Not only does this help you access the website you were originally blocked from seeing, but it also enhances your online security and privacy.
Thankfully, installing a VPN couldn’t be easier. Below is a quick, step-by-step guide on how to bypass censorship with a VPN.
● Choose a reputable VPN provider
● Sign up and install the app on your phone/tablet/laptop
● Connect to a server (Iceland and Estonia are considered to have the least amount of censorships)
● And just like that, you’re in!
Using Proxy Servers
A proxy server acts as the go-between for your device and the internet. By using proxy servers, requests you make when online are sent onwards through the server before reaching the website you’re attempting to access, thus allowing you to bypass censorship.
Proxy servers can be divided into various types, such as transparent proxies, anonymous proxies, and residential proxies.
Benefits of using a proxy server include:
● Enhanced security
● Gain access to content that is restricted in your own country
● Private browsing
Cons of using a proxy server include:
● Can be difficult to configure
● Can be costly depending on the type of proxy used (free public proxies are available)
● Lack of encryption can pose potential vulnerabilities and risks
Using Custom DNS
Another good way to bypass restrictions is to set up a custom DNS server. These servers can be used to enforce censorship by restricting access to websites and diverting users to an alternative. Many ISPs have their own DNS servers, which can track users’ visits to sites.
Using a custom DNS is the best method, as well as inexpensive, for avoiding surveillance from your ISP and DNS spoofing, which is a form of cyberattack which diverts users to a fake website.
Benefits of using a custom DNS:
● Speedy browsing
● Enhanced security
● Prevents ISP from tracking websites you visit
Cons of using a custom DNS:
● Spoofing attacks
● Risk of being exposed to malicious content
● Ongoing maintenance required
Using Special Browsers (Such as Tor)
Special browsers, like Tor (AKA The Onion Router), offer users anonymity when accessing certain websites online. This is done by routing all traffic through nodes and encrypting along the way.
This makes it difficult to track any online activity; however, in certain countries where internet censorship is prevalent, the use of Tor may be blocked by the ISP or government.
Pros of using special browsers:
● Free to use
● IP address is hidden
● Operated on secure, hidden networks
Cons of using special browsers:
● May slow down browsing speeds
● ISP can be suspicious
● Will not work if trying to access content that is restricted in certain countries
Using SSH Tunnelling
SSH tunnelling provides a secure method of communication between applications and remote servers. Through encryption, SSH tunnels guarantee the protection of data during the transmission process.
Through tunnelling network traffic, it makes it possible to access restricted content.
Pros of using SSH tunnelling:
● Bypass network restrictions
● Provides a secure connection to a remote server
● Encrypted data
Cons of using SSH tunnelling:
● Complex and technical set up
● Potential performance issues
● Often misused by malicious users
Using Browser Extensions
Certain browser extensions can bypass internet filters in a similar way to how a VPN works. If you use Chrome, Edge, or Firefox as your browser, you can set up an extension just as you would a VPN (although many extensions function like proxies and can log user data, which can make the user vulnerable to attacks).
This helps with access to censored websites, however, it’s important to be aware that a browser extension only encrypts the browser data.
Pros of using browser extensions:
● Simple setup and customisation
● Free to use (or low-cost)
● Enhance your online safety
Cons of using browser extensions:
● Potential risk of cyber attacks
● Risk of important cookies being stolen
● Reduced privacy
Using HTML to PDF Converters
Well, this does exactly what it says on the tin. An HTML-to-PDF converter will take a screenshot of a web page that you have opened and convert it into a downloadable PDF. The PDF converter accesses a restricted site, not your device.
One major downfall is that you aren’t able to interact as you would be able to with a site, as it is only a screenshot of a page. This means you won’t be able to navigate throughout the website freely.
Pros of using HTML to PDF converters:
● Free to use
● Simple set up
● Access to restricted content without having to visit the site itself
Cons of using HTML to PDF converters:
● Cannot interact with webpage
● Can be slow
● Not always mobile-friendly
Use an IP Address Instead of a URL
The device you’re browsing on doesn’t understand what a URL is as it asks a DNS server to convert it into an IP address, which is how computers communicate.
If you can find the website’s IP address (in Windows, you can use Command Prompt), you can enter the IP address and bypass the restriction, as it’s the URL that’s blocked, not the IP. However, it’s important to note that some sites may also restrict IP access if they have multiple restrictions in place.
Pros of using an IP address:
● Free to use
● Bypass restrictions
Cons of using an IP address:
● Complex set up
● Can make users vulnerable to attacks
● Some sites may block access via IP if they have multiple restrictions in place
Using Google Cache
If the site you are trying to access has been restricted, then you can access an older version of said site by visiting a cached version.
The simplest way is to type in ‘cached’ before the URL in the address bar.
Pros of using Google cache:
● Simple to use
● Free to use
● Access to restricted content
Cons of using Google Cache:
● Not all elements of the website will be there
● Not an up-to-date version of an actual site
Using Google Translate
Sounds crazy, right? It’s actually a pretty neat trick to bypass network restrictions. Simply copy the website link into the text box of Google Translate and navigate to the link that comes back in the response.
This method will not give you the full experience that you’re probably looking for, as the request appears as a translation request rather than direct access… but it’s better than nothing.
Pros of using Google Translate:
● Free to use
● Simple to use
● Bypass internet filter
Cons of using Google Translate:
● Cannot interact with the website
● Useful only if retrieving information from a blocked site
Why Is the Internet Censored?
Fight Cybercrime
By implementing internet censorships, governments can help prevent cybercriminals from spreading malware, hacking, and identity theft.
Political Agenda
Governments may censor the internet to control a certain narrative and ensure they maintain their power. Internet censorship is often most widespread during elections, social movements, or times of political unrest.
Protection of Societal and Cultural Values
Censorship may be enforced to prevent internet users from being subjected to any offensive content that could cause harm to society, and a means to protect the cultural heritage.
Protection of Intellectual Property
Internet censorship may be enforced in certain countries to prevent copyright infringement. Any website found to be sharing copyrighted material will be blocked.
Protection of National Security
Governments can implement filters on websites that they view to be threats to national security, including those that promote acts of terrorism, extremist content, and other illegal and/or potentially ominous activity.
The Importance of Free Access to Information
There are so many reasons why we shouldn’t be restricted to the information we want to see when online. Granted, there’s a lot of terrible stuff on the internet that shouldn’t even be there. However, we’re focusing more on how internet censorship limits our access to information and knowledge, takes away our right to freedom of expression, hinders the growth of businesses, and prevents social media movements and activism for the greater good.
Imagine living in a country with heavy restrictions and having no access to global news—knowledge that can be crucial to one’s livelihood.
We must stay safe online, especially when it comes to protecting younger people, but we can get around these filters to access the information we want to see using the various methods mentioned in this guide and exercise our right to freedom of expression without having to face those annoying obstacles.
Also Read: Muchotorrents: Simple Guide to the Popular Torrent Platform