When we are traveling we may often find some countries that censor websites. It can be frustrating for travelers if they are unable to access news sites or social media while they are abroad.
However, thanks to technological advancements and cybersecurity there are ways to get around this. Unblocking censored internet content is easier than you might think. Being able to bypass censorship can save you a lot of frustration.
Some countries are against unblocking censored content and there may be repercussions. This is why it is important to be careful with bypassing internet censorship. The last thing you want is to get in trouble while you are in a foreign country.
Why Do Some Countries Censor Internet Content?
Many countries censor internet content for several reasons. Some might use censorship to comply with the laws of the country, others might censor websites for religious reasons. At the end of the day, each country has its reasons for using censorship.
One of the most famous countries known for censoring internet content is China. China censors several websites including Google, foreign news, and even social media websites. Their censorship is known as the Great Firewall.
The Great Firewall was created in 2008. It was created to protect the Chinese government from being seen in a bad light. The Great Firewall blocks foreign news websites that might report news stories that paint the Chinese government poorly.
Google was also blocked to prevent Chinese people from being able to see news, photos, and videos of what is happening in the country. This came after a video of police brutality was released on Google.
China also blocks many social media websites. While this may be frustrating for travelers and expatriates, it was also done to protect the government. Many activists and protestors used social media sites to coordinate protests and attacks against the Republic of China.
How Can You Bypass Censorship?
If you are traveling to a country that uses censorship, it can be frustrating when you are unable to access international news websites or social media platforms. Luckily, there is a way to bypass this.
Using a VPN will allow you to access content that has been censored by the government. This is because a VPN is capable of encrypting your internet traffic, which means that no one is able to see what you are doing on your device.
Another feature that is useful on VPN software is the ability to change the location of your device. This is a feature that can be found on any VPN software, and it will allow you to bypass any censored websites.
For example, if you are in China, you can activate your VPN. Using the location-altering feature on the software, you can set your IP address to one in a different country, for example, the United States. You will now be able to access websites as if your device was located in the United States.
Is it Legal to Use a VPN to Bypass Censorship?
While you can bypass internet censorship in these countries, it might also be illegal to do so. The use of a VPN is not illegal in most countries though. In fact, in the United States, it is encouraged to use a VPN for extra security and privacy.
However, in countries like China, using a VPN has been made illegal. Despite that, there have been no reports of anyone being arrested or even being fined or using a VPN. However, you should still be cautious of using them since you will be breaking a law.
These countries often stop people from using a VPN by blocking the websites that allow you to download them. Therefore it is important to download your VPN software and test it before you travel to the country in question.
How to Stay Safe Online
While a VPN is a suitable cybersecurity tool, your devices may still be at risk of cyberattacks. If you are browsing the internet or using your devices abroad, you need to ensure that they are always secure.
Keeping your devices secure can prevent any hackers from committing their crimes against you. This can be anything from identity theft, fraud, or installing ransomware or spyware on your devices.
The best security measure you can use is antivirus software. This will scan your devices for any suspicious activity. It will warn you about anything that has been discreetly installed on your device without you knowing about it.
It’s crucial that you always keep your software up to date. This will help to fix any flaws that might be in the software and prevent any cybercriminals from getting through your cybersecurity.
You should also keep changing your passwords regularly. You need to ensure that you use strong and unique passwords. If one of your accounts has been breached, your other accounts will still be secure.
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