Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an effective way to access the internet without restrictions. Normally, you just connect to a VPN server in a country without censorship, and you can browse freely. However, those who censor the internet know about VPNs and try to block them.
Internet censorship comes in various forms, such as government censorship for political or social reasons, like the Great Firewall of China and Iran's state censorship. The UAE has even made it illegal to use VPNs to bypass censorship. Another form is government censorship for copyright reasons, with countries like the UK and Russia blocking websites that promote piracy. Workplaces also impose restrictions to prevent employees from accessing inappropriate or distracting content, while schools and colleges often block content to protect minors or avoid distractions, though this can be ironic at universities. Additionally, streaming services like Hulu, US Netflix, and BBC iPlayer often block VPNs to enforce geo-restrictions.
In most countries, using a VPN is not illegal, even if VPNs are blocked. However, the UAE imposes heavy fines and prison time for using VPNs. Always consider the legal risks in your country. VPN blocks can be implemented in several ways: blocking access to VPN websites, blocking the IP addresses of known VPN servers, blocking specific ports that VPN protocols use, and using Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to identify VPN traffic.
There are simple solutions to bypass VPN blocks. You can use your mobile data instead of a blocked network, try a different VPN provider or server, or set up your own VPN server at home or rent a Virtual Private Server (VPS). Using dedicated IP addresses offered by some VPNs can also help, as can coming prepared by signing up for a VPN and downloading its software before traveling to a heavily censored country.
For more advanced solutions, you can change port numbers to ones that are less likely to be blocked, like TCP port 443 used by HTTPS. Technologies like stunnel and SSL tunneling wrap VPN data in an additional layer of encryption to make it look like regular HTTPS traffic. Similarly, SSH tunneling uses Secure Shell (SSH) encryption. Obfsproxy wraps VPN data in an obfuscation layer, making it harder to detect.
Most VPN blocks can be bypassed with some effort and the right techniques. For more sophisticated blocks, technologies like stunnel and obfsproxy can help. Always be cautious and aware of the legal implications in your country.
Simple Solutions to Bypass VPN Blocks
Use a Mobile Connection:
Access blocked content on your mobile device using mobile data instead of a blocked network.
Try a Different VPN Provider or Server:
Switch to a less popular VPN service to avoid detection.
Roll Your Own VPN:
Set up your own VPN server at home or rent a Virtual Private Server (VPS).
Use Dedicated IP Addresses:
Some VPNs offer unique IP addresses for each user, making it harder for websites to block them.
Come Prepared:
Sign up for a VPN and download its software before traveling to a heavily censored country.
Advanced Solutions
Change Port Numbers:
Use ports like TCP port 443, which is less likely to be blocked.
stunnel / SSL Tunneling:
Wrap VPN data in an additional layer of encryption to make it look like regular HTTPS traffic.
SSH Tunneling:
Use Secure Shell (SSH) encryption to wrap VPN data.
Obfsproxy:
Wrap VPN data in an obfuscation layer to make it harder to detect.