Whether you live in Tanzania or plan to visit soon, you'll need to find an alternative way to continue accessing X (formerly known as Twitter).
UK-based internet watchdog NetBlocks has confirmed the blocking of social media on the country's major internet providers starting Friday, August 30, 2024 (see tweet below). “The incident comes as the police force issues an alert over alleged plans by the opposition party to raid police stations where political prisoners could be held,” the experts wrote.
Connecting to one of the best VPN apps is the easiest way to continue accessing platforms as you normally would. Read on and I'll explain everything you need to know.
⚠️ Confirmed: Live metrics show that X (formerly Twitter) has been restricted on major internet providers in #Tanzania; the incident comes as the police force issues an alert over alleged opposition party plans to raid police stations where political prisoners may be held pic.twitter.com/5aUL791DggAugust 30, 2024
How a VPN can help
A VPN, short for virtual private network, is a security software that not only encrypts your internet connections but also spoofs your IP address.
This last ability allows you to appear to be browsing the internet from a completely different country with just one or two clicks. This is exactly what you need to avoid geo-restrictions, such as the one currently in effect in Tanzania.
There's also nothing to worry about if you're new to the world of VPNs, as using a VPN is as easy as downloading and using any other app on your phone or laptop.
All you need to do is subscribe to your chosen service, download the VPN app on your device, and connect to one of its servers located in a country with no online restrictions. All of the best VPNs boast a huge international network of servers, giving you plenty of choice.
At the time of writing, TechRadar’s number one recommendation is NordVPN, as it offers easy-to-use apps, fast and reliable speeds, excellent unblocking capabilities, and tons of security features. However, if you’re on a budget, Surfshark is the best budget VPN on the market today, with subscriptions starting from the equivalent of about $2 per month.
In general, I don't recommend using free software because these services can put your privacy at risk. Some free VPNs make money by selling your data, which is exactly the opposite of what a VPN should do. In some cases, you also run the risk of infecting your device with malware or viruses.
That being said, we've put together a dedicated guide to the best free VPNs out there to help you choose the safest free software if you need a reliable VPN that won't cost you a dime. Our top picks right now are PrivadoVPN and Proton VPN, but remember that they all have limitations.
Beyond VPNs
While VPNs are the most widely used and easiest-to-use privacy-enhancing tools, they are not the only way to bypass blocks, bans, and geo-restrictions.
One of the best alternatives to VPNs is the Tor browser. The advantage of Tor is that it is completely free to use and offers an even higher level of security by rerouting internet connections (and data in transit) through at least three encrypted layers. However, this enhanced encryption can significantly reduce connection speeds.
Proxy services are another effective method of spoofing your IP address. Unlike VPNs, they do not encrypt your internet connections, making them less secure overall. I highly recommend users who are at risk of being monitored to opt for a VPN.
You can also use a SmartDNS service to bypass online geo-restrictions with ease. Again, these services don't offer the same level of protection as VPNs, meaning they don't encrypt your data. Worse yet, a SmartDNS doesn't even change your IP, and simply re-routes information about your location.
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.
