When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.
4.8 billion people were affected by internet censorship in 2024and this number is only expected to rise.
So, what exactly are anti-censorship features and what tools does Proton VPN offer?
Proton VPN: fighting internet censorshipProton VPN is making anti-censorship its mission.
Its offers class-leading privacy and security, over 11,000 servers worldwide, and protection for up to 10 devices.
Deep-packet inspection (DPI) is an expensive and lesser-seen method of blocking but an effective one.
DPI detects traffic that is attempting to bypass restrictions and subsequently blocks it.
The only restriction VPNs can’t navigate is a total internet shutdown.
If the lights go out, then not a lot can be done.
The only way to enter the internet in this scenario is through satellite phones or international SIM cards.
What are anti-censorship features?
Anti-censorship features can include specific VPN protocols that obfuscate your data, making it seem like regular internet traffic.
They can include secure servers to provide greater privacy and anonymity.
Proton VPN recently released its2024 anti-censorship report.
Stealth utilises obfuscation and to mix your VPN traffic with regular internet traffic.
This avoids internet filters and means your Proton VPN connection is almost completely untraceable.
The app will automatically detect any blockages and try alternative paths to reach Proton servers.
Alternative routing can require the use of third-party infrastructure and networks not controlled by Proton.
The discrete app feature allows users to disguise the Proton VPN app as an innocuous background app.
However, this is only available on Android devices.
To change the icon, launch the Proton VPN app and poke the “options” tab.
Head to “general” and then “app icon.”
This change doesn’t hide the Android system’s “VPN connected” notification or disable Proton VPN notifications.
If you suspect you may be searched, disable notifications and disconnect from the VPN.
Speeds are impressive, it boasts a secure kill switch, and is downloadable on all major devices.
Guest Mode
Further barriers are removed with Proton VPN’s Guest Mode.
Only available on Android, users no longer need to enter their details and create an account.
Its Android app is also available onF-Droid.
The web client extension provides similar protection to the full app and your internet connection is encrypted.
Secure Core servers
Proton VPN has over 11,000 servers worldwide but also operates a selection ofSecure Coreservers.
Traffic is sent through Secure Core servers before the server in your chosen destination.
More anti-censorship features are on the way in 2025.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses.
For example: 1.
Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services.
Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
