As Venezuelans prepare to head to the polls on Sunday, July 28, 2024, access to the best VPN services appears to be at risk.
Some users of Proton VPN, one of the most popular VPNs in the country according to the provider, have already experienced difficulties using their VPN apps, in fact – see tweet below.
According to the company, this could indicate that local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have begun blocking virtual private networks.
We're receiving reports from people in #Venezuela who are unable to access our apps. It appears local ISPs may be blocking VPNs. Please see and share the thread below for tips on how to bypass the block and use #ProtonVPN :/2July 22, 2024
This is especially significant considering that in a country like Venezuela, where Internet freedom “remains precarious,” as Freedom House experts noted, VPNs are an essential tool for bypassing geographic restrictions and accessing information on such an important day.
A VPN, short for virtual private network, is a security software that encrypts internet connections to enhance online privacy and spoof one's real IP address. The latter feature is exactly why people use these services to reliably access news outlets, social media platforms, and other services when they are affected by restrictions.
This is also why Proton launched a free VPN network of dedicated anti-censorship servers in Venezuela a week before and after the presidential election as part of its election support initiative.
As confirmed by David Peterson, CEO of Proton VPN, the move led to a 3,000% increase compared to their already high baseline levels. “However, Venezuelan authorities are trying to curb VPN usage,” he added.
Having trouble using your VPN app? Here are some tips:
It's hard to say whether Venezuelan authorities will restrict VPN access next Sunday. However, the crucial thing is to learn how to get around potential blocks in advance.
That’s why Proton VPN shared some tips on how to keep downloading and using its VPN apps despite the restrictions. You can also apply some of these tricks to access other VPN services.
If you are having trouble downloading the VPN app from the website, the team suggests Searching for apps directly in the AppStore or Google Play Store When using a mobile device, you can download the VPN from your desktop computer. via the GitHub platform by clicking the “Code” button.
Using the Tor Browser By signing up and logging into the VPN app, you can help bypass restrictions. However, it's worth noting that Tor reroutes your connection through at least three layers of encryption, so it can slow down your connection.
If you are using Proton VPN, you should use the Stealth Protocol, Also, since it is designed to evade government-imposed censorship. For the same reason, the team suggests Enabling the “Alternate Routing” option you will find it in the Settings tab.
As you might be looking for third-party sources to download VPN apps, Beware of fake VPN appsI suggest being careful of spelling mistakes, as well as checking files and URLs on websites like this before clicking on them.
“Venezuelan internet service providers also appear to be trying to block Proton VPN's website,” Peterson told me. “We therefore recommend citizens download a VPN in advance, in case internet censorship becomes even stricter in the country.”
We test and evaluate 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. We protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or tolerate illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Future Publishing does not endorse or approve the consumption of pirated content for which you pay.
