How to View Sites That Aren’t Available In Your Country
Despite the internet’s wide availability and openness, some countries, unfortunately, restrict certain websites that they don’t want their citizens to see. In some countries, major news networks, broadcasting platforms, and social media websites are blocked. In others, video games are restricted.
If you live in a country that limits the websites that you’re allowed to see, then you will be delighted to know that you do have some options. This article will break down and explain exactly how you can view sites that aren’t available in your country due to government restrictions or geo-blocks:
Using VPNs
VPNs [virtual private networks] are the most effective way of accessing blocked websites. VPNs can be difficult to download if you’re using a monitored network, however. Even so, if you do manage to download a VPN then you will be able to browse the internet restriction-free. VPNs come in particularly handy when visiting countries with strict internet restrictions, like in China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. VPNs allow you to visit blocked sites and online platforms in the UAE and the other countries just mentioned. Make sure to do your research in order to find the best VPN for your location.
Mobile Sites
Sometimes, mobile sites aren’t affected by internet blocks. If you are trying to visit a website that is blocked, then you could input ‘m.’ before the website’s address, instead of ‘www.’. Visiting a website’s mobile site might only work if you have network restrictions imposed by your mobile network or Wi-Fi network and not your government. It’s unlikely that government restrictions can be bypassed by using a website’s mobile site. Even so, it’s worth a try. This method does work from time to time. It is nowhere near as effective as a VPN, but if you can’t get a VPN it’s worth a shot.
IP Address
In addition to visiting a website using its mobile address, you can also visit websites using its IP addresses. You shouldn’t have difficulty finding any website’s IP address online. When you have your chosen website’s IP address, you can key it into your browser’s search bar, instead of the website’s actual address. As with mobile sites, some blocks do not account for IP address searching and do not register them as the blocked website, allowing users to visit them. If you are trying to avoid government-imposed blocks, this method may not work.
Anonymous Browsers
Using an anonymous browser is a very effective way of accessing blocked internet content and websites, particularly in combination with a VPN. One of the world’s most used and effective anonymous browsers is the Tor browser. The only downside to these browsers is that most governments who have already implemented web restrictions have blocked them, so users are unable to access them and download them. If you do find a way to download an anonymous browser then it’s advised. Adding multiple layers of security to your web searches is recommended if you are avoiding government-imposed bans.
Using Proxies
Proxies are nowhere near as effective as VPNs and anonymous browsers, but if you have access to one they can still allow you to avoid blocks. As with anonymous browsers, the chances are that if one’s government has introduced internet blocks, that any proxy websites will be blocked too. Proxies act as gateways, allowing users to search anonymously through them. They are accessed through ordinary browsers, however. If you are using a highly monitored network, then proxies may get you caught and could get you into a lot of trouble. In countries where governments restrict internet usage, avoiding blocks is punishable by law.
Wi-Fi Network
Another way of avoiding blocks is to use your Wi-Fi network, instead of your mobile network. This is especially true if your country has privatized Wi-Fi providers. Applying for internet services from a privatized company is a great way to avoid government-imposed blocks. With that said, in countries where there are very strict internet blocks, it’s likely that private internet providers will be in cahoots with the government and may report suspicious internet activity back to them. Another good way of avoiding government blocks is to invest in a SIM card with a network like Lyca Mobile or Lebara. These networks should allow you to avoid government blocks and access the internet freely. As with Wi-Fi networks, however, there is of course still a chance that these networks will report activity back to one’s government, potentially leading to one’s arrest.
If you are unfortunate enough to live in a country where your government limits which websites you can visit, you’re in luck today. This article’s guidance will help you to browse the internet like everybody else, freely.