VPN access at risk in Venezuela ahead of elections - here’s how to get around it
Proton VPN shares some tips to bypass potential VPN blocks
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While people in Venezuela are getting ready to head to the polls on Sunday, July 28, 2024, access to thebest VPNservices appears to be at risk.
SomeProton VPNusers, one of the most popular VPNs in the country according to the provider, have already experienced difficulties using its VPN apps, in fact – see the tweet below.
As the company explained, this could indicate local internet service providers (ISPs) have started blocking virtual private networks.
We received reports from people in #Venezuela who cannot access our apps – it seems local ISPs may be blocking VPNs. Please check and share the thread below for tips on how to circumvent the block and use #ProtonVPN: https://t.co/jR42s28qfp#EleccionesVE1 / 2July 22, 2024
This is especially significant considering that, in a country like Venezuela where internet freedom “remains precarious,” as experts atFreedom House noted, VPNs are an essential tool for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing information on such an important day.
A VPN, short forvirtual private network, is security software that encrypts internet connections to boost online privacy while spoofing your real IP address. The latter function is exactly why people use these services to reliably access news outlets, social media platforms, and other services when they get hit with restrictions.
This is also the reason why Proton launched afree VPNnetwork of dedicated anti-censorship servers in Venezuela a week before and after the presidential elections as part of itselection support initiative.
As David Peterson, General Manager at Proton VPN, confirmed, the move led to a spike of 3000% compared to its already high baseline levels. “However the Venezuelan authorities are seeking to clamp down on VPN use,” he added.
Issues using your VPN app? Here are some tips:
Whether or not Venezuelan authorities will throttle VPN access next Sunday is hard to say. What’s crucial, however, is learning how to navigate any potential blocks beforehand.
This is why Proton VPN shared some tips on how to keep downloading and using its VPN apps despite restrictions. You can apply some of these tricks to access other VPN services, too.
If you have issues downloading the VPN app from the website, the team suggestssearching for the applications directly in the AppStore orGoogle Play Storewhen using a mobile device. On desktop, you can download the VPNvia the GitHub platformby clicking the “Code” button.
Using theTor Browserwhen registering for and logging into the VPN app can help evade restrictions. It’s worth noting that Tor reroutes your connection through at least three encryption layers, however, so it may slow down your connection.
If you’re using Proton VPN, you shoulduse theStealth protocol,too, as it’s designed to evade government-imposed censorship. For the same reason, the team suggeststurning on the “Alternative routing” optionyou’ll find in the Settings tab.
As you might be searching for third-party sources to download VPN apps,be mindful of fake VPN applications. I suggest looking out for spelling mistakes as well as checking files and URLs on websites likethis onebefore clicking on them.
“Venezuelan ISPs also seem to be trying to block the Proton VPN website,” Peterson told me. “So, we advise citizens to have a VPN downloaded in advance, should internet censorship get even tighter in the country.”
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).2.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.
Chiara is a multimedia journalist committed to covering stories to help promote the rights and denounce the abuses of the digital side of life—wherever cybersecurity, markets and politics tangle up.She mainly writes news, interviews and analysis on data privacy, online censorship, digital rights, cybercrime, and security software, with a special focus on VPNs, for TechRadar Pro, TechRadar and Tom’s Guide. Got a story, tip-off or something tech-interesting to say? Reach out to chiara.castro@futurenet.com
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