How to read blocked sites? Everything about VPNs and other ways to circumvent censorship. Simple instructions

This world is inhabited by amazing discoveries, unusual events and a lot of interesting and honest information. But what do you do when you live in a country where the state decides what you have to read/listen/watch and restricts access to information? First of all, do not despair! In this article, we will tell you how to bypass blocking and enjoy freedom of information. Ready? Let's go!

This instruction is not suitable for those who are in Russia, because there Roskomnadzor blocks most popular and reliable VPN services, which, according to the agency, "violate Russian law." At the time of writing, the blocking affects NordVPN, ExpressVPN, IPVanish, Hola, VPN Unlimited, Speedify, as well as the Opera browser (more specifically Opera VPN) and VyprVPN. For example, Opera announced that it was discontinuing VPN support in its browsers in Russia, but continued to work in Belarus.

Table of Contents

• Opera browser
• Chrome and Firefox
• Free browser plugin for your computer
• VPN for smartphones
• Windscribe – Free VPN
• NordVPN
• ProtonVPN
• Betternet – Free VPN
• Browser Tor
• Another alternative selection of VPNs
• Social networks and messengers
• Subscribe to the newsletter

Opera browser

Until the Opera browser was blocked in Russia, it was one of the most popular browsers there, which offers unique features that help bypass blocks and ensure security while browsing the Internet. In Belarus, the browser works without problems, so I will tell you more about it Built-in VPN, which allows you to change your virtual address and bypass blockages.

Opera is especially suitable for your parents and grandparents, who often have a hard time figuring out their VPN settings, but have just as much freedom of access to information as others. Just install the Opera browser, turn on the VPN and you're done!

Built-in VPN in the Opera browser. To activate a free VPN, go to Settings (Alt+P) > Security > VPN. 

Once activated, you will see VPN icon to the left of the address bar. Click the icon to open a pop-up window where you can turn the VPN on and off, select a location, and view statistics on the data used. A specific server in the region you choose will be selected automatically. VPN in Opera can also be enabled in a private window. 

[Подробнее про VPN в Opera] Download Opera

Opera also has a built-in ad and tracker blocker that helps reduce unwanted ads and tracking while browsing the web. This can make browsing blocked resources more comfortable and secure.

As a result, Opera browser Not only does it offer a wide range of features for easy web browsing, but it also provides tools to bypass blockages and stay safe online. This makes it one of the popular choices for those looking for ways to access blocked resources where internet censorship is present.

In Chrome and Firefox, just like in Opera, you can now bypass the blocking of sites in Belarus without a VPN

In October 2023, Chrome and Firefox browser updates were released that allow users to bypass website blocking without having to use a VPN or other apps. These technologies are made available by implementing two key techniques: Encrypted SNI (ESNI) and DNS over HTTPS (DoH).

In order to unblock a blocked site, you must meet the following requirements:

1. The user must have Google Chrome version 117 or later installed.
2. The site must be secured by Cloudflare and use a free plan.

If blocked sites still won't open:
If the DNS over HTTPS (DoH) setting in Chrome is set to "use ISP's server" by default, then blocked sites may not open.  It's worth changing the settings under Settings – Privacy and Security Use secure DNS – With your current service provider to some Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google Public DNS.

Use a VPN

Unfortunately, in the realities of Russia and Belarus, there is no VPN service that would bypass all restrictions and at the same time be as fast as possible and have a large selection of locations (countries) for ease of use. Practice has shown that the vast majority of VPN providers could not block access to instant messengers and websites if the state decided to block the resource 100%.

Free browser plugin for your computer

We recommend using the free plugin for Chrome/Firefox/Edge browsers — Urban VPN.

After installing the plugin, an icon will appear in the upper right corner in the browser, after clicking on which you can select a country for the VPN or agree to automatic selection. At the end, you need to click "Play".

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is your secret little guide to the world of the dictatorial internet. It will help you bypass the block by encrypting your data and changing your IP address. Thanks to a VPN, you can use blocked resources as if nothing happened! Fear not, installing a VPN on your device is as simple as opening an umbrella in the rain.

VPN for smartphones

Proton VPN's completely free and reliable mobile app for Android and iOS/iPadOS was developed by the creators of ultra-secure Proton Mail. After a simple registration via email, when you launch the app for the first time, you will need to allow the VPN configuration to be saved to your smartphone.

Proton VPN is completely free, but it doesn't intentionally cut speeds or have any data limits.

Windscribe – Free VPN (Computer + Smartphone)

Windscribe is one of the best free VPNs in its niche! The VPN's ad blocker and firewall are sometimes quite aggressive, but thanks to its generous internet data package and commitment to user privacy, Windscribe makes it easy to make it to the top of our list. An important feature is that this VPN is available in a PC version in the form of a program, smartphone apps, and a browser extension.

• 10 GB of traffic per month (2 GB for registration + 8 GB for e-mail subscription)
• Excellent speeds on available free servers
• Does not store data about the connection, visited websites and IP address
• You can get an additional 5GB of traffic if you tweet about this service
• Get an additional 1GB of data for each friend you invite
• Built-in ad blocker and firewall
• Access Netflix

Disadvantages:

• Free subscribers do not have access to all servers.

DOWNLOAD Windscribe

NordVPN (paid)

One of the largest VPN services with an independent jurisdiction in Panama and Lithuanian roots For the past 3 years, it has been the leader of our ratings of VPN services for countries with censorship and restrictions on the Internet.

Advantages:

1. Perhaps the only VPN that offers the modern WireGuard protocol instead of the relatively slow and outdated OpenVPN. Thanks to this, even the weakest devices will be able to connect to the VPN.
2. NordVPN has shown its effectiveness in Belarus, Russia, China, UAE, Iran, and many other countries where there are blocked resources and groups of people persecuted for ideological interests
3. Data Security: With NordVPN, your data will be protected from hackers and cybercriminals. It uses advanced encryption technology to keep your online activity safe, including communications, online transactions, and personal information.
4. Wide range of servers: NordVPN offers an extensive network of servers around the world. You can choose a server in a country where content is not restricted to access a variety of resources. This allows you to enjoy free access to information and entertainment, regardless of geographical restrictions.
5. Multiple devices: NordVPN is compatible with a variety of platforms and devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and routers. You can use one NordVPN account on multiple devices at the same time, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice. NordVPN also works on Android TVs and even Samsung Smart TVs in the form of Smart DNS settings (used to bypass geo-restrictions on many video streaming services like Netflix).
6. Easy-to-use interface, intuitive settings, and friendly support

Download NordVPN

ProtonVPN (paid and free)

It is one of the youngest VPN services on the market; Proton is run by experts who prioritize cybersecurity. That's why it's one of the best features to protect and protect your users' privacy.

ProtonVPN offers help for citizens of countries where the government systematically engages in internet censorship, such as Turkey, Iran, Russia, and Belarus. And since it may not be possible to pay for a foreign service from a Belarusian card, Proton provides users with free of charge version of your VPN. ProtonVPN's mission is to ensure freedom of speech and the free flow of information. No ads, no traffic limits, no log files to identify you.

• No traffic limits
• Access to servers in the Netherlands, Japan, the United States, and Switzerland
• No logs

Disadvantages:

• The connection speed for free subscribers is deliberately lowered so that they switch to a paid subscription.

Betternet – Free VPN

BetterNet is very easy to use, and that's why it's become the most popular among VPN newbies. The promise on the website is "free forever" means that you can use the VPN for as long as you want, and you won't have any data limits.

• No-logs policy
• "Free forever", i.e. you can use the services of this VPN provider for as long as you want!
• Data traffic is unrestricted
• Available for Mac, Windows, Android, Chrome, and Firefox

Disadvantages:

• Perhaps the worst of all resists malware, and this is a huge problem.
• You can't choose which server to connect to.

Access through proxy servers

If a VPN is a superhero that saves you from being blocked, then a proxy server is its faithful assistant. Proxies can help you bypass bans and access blocked sites. They work like spies, transmitting your requests through another computer. This is, to put it mildly, an adventure in the world of the Internet!

Hidden Paths: Tor is your way to freedom!

If you've always thought that Tor (The Onion Router) is just for geeks, Install Tor Browser and make sure that everything is not so scary. The Tor browser is specifically designed for paranoid. This is the easiest and most free way to reduce risks: the chances that all nodes in the chain through which your traffic will go are controlled by one attacker are minimal.  The Tor network, which allows you to bypass censorship while remaining anonymous. It is as mysterious as the bow after which it is named. Enter the world of Thor and you can open all the locked doors and take a look at independent content. The most important tip: be careful in this onion world and do not cross the line of legality.

Android phone owners can install the app Orbot. It can either allow individual programs to pass traffic through Tor, or enable VPN mode for the entire system. For iPhone owners, there is only Dedicated Browser.

Download TOR for PC

Are there any other alternatives?

Yes, there are quite a few of them. You can try it Browsec, CyberGhost, SurfEasy or TunnelBear (works on iOS or Android phones, as well as on computers). VPN services tend to provide free and paid plans. Keep in mind that free options aren't usually as user-friendly — they're slower or have a data limit. You need to choose a VPN service carefully, you should not install the first one that catches your eye.

You can also install browser extensions

Install a browser extension that helps you bypass blocking (we recommend two made specifically for users from Russia, but they are also suitable for users from Belarus)

VPN extension «Bypassing Runet Blocks" tries to bypass the blocking only for banned sites from the so-called list of extremist Belarusian sites. Similar Expansion Censor Tracker from Roskomsvoboda (Russia, but also suitable for Belarus).

The Key to Freedom of Information: Social Media and Messaging Apps

Social networks and instant messengers are not only a place to communicate with friends and watch cats. They can become your companions on a journey through blocked resources. With encryption features and the ability to bypass blocks, you can access the latest news and content. The most important thing is to find communities and groups where such topics are discussed. After all, together we are stronger!

❗️In Belarus, subscribers of channels and groups in social networks and instant messengers recognized as extremist are tried under criminal article 361-1 of the Criminal Code of Belarus (extremism). The maximum punishment for it is seven years in prison. Therefore, if you are in Belarus or planning to go there, we do not recommend subscribing to such sources of information!

Subscribe to alternative sources of information

When traditional sources are blocked, it is time for alternative paths. The Internet pampers us with a variety of news sites, bloggers and individual journalists, who often offer non-standard and interesting points of view. Subscribe to their e-mail newsletters, follow their publications and be aware of everything that is happening around you!

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Education and self-development

When access to information is limited, the best thing you can do is develop your mind and education. Read books, attend lectures, join online courses. Knowledge is something that no one can take away from you. Be an active explorer, open new horizons and make the world brighter with your knowledge!

Living in a dictatorial country can be a challenge, but it also provides an opportunity to become stronger and learn how to circumvent restrictions. With the help of VPNs, proxy servers, Tor, social networks, alternative sources of information and self-development, you can immerse yourself in the world of free information and keep up with all the events. Remember that knowledge and freedom are the keys to our development and progress. Don't stop, go ahead and expand your brain horizon! And remember that freedom of information is everyone's right, and we must fight for it.