X restricted in Tanzania - here’s how to get around the block
You now need to use a VPN service to keep accessing the app
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Whether you live in Tanzania, or are planning to visit anytime soon, you’ll need to find an alternative way to keep accessing X (formerly known as Twitter).
UK-based internet watchdog, NetBlocks, confirmed the social media block across the country’s main internet providers as of Friday, August 30, 2024 (see tweet below). “The incident comes as the police force issues an alert over alleged opposition party plans to raid police stations where political prisoners might be held,” wrote the experts.
Connecting to one of thebest VPNapps is the easiest way to keep accessing the platforms as you usually would. Keep reading, and I’ll explain everything you need to know.
⚠️ Confirmed: Live metrics show that X (formerly Twitter) has been restricted on #Tanzania’s main internet providers; the incident comes as the police force issues an alert over alleged opposition party plans to raid police stations where political prisoners might be held pic.twitter.com/5aUL791DggAugust 30, 2024
How a VPN can help
A VPN, short forvirtual private network, is a security software that not only encrypts your internet connections but also spoofs your IP address.
The latter skill makes you appear as if you’re browsing the web from a completely different country in just a click or two. This is exactly what you need to bypass geo-restrictions – like the one in place in Tanzania right now.
There’s nothing to worry about if you’re new to the VPN world, either, as using a VPN is as easy as downloading and using any other application on your phone or laptop.
Proton recorded VPN usagespikes in 12 countriessince January alone amid social media blocks and other internet restrictions. These includeBrazilandVenezuelain August,Bangladeshin July, Kenya at the end of June,New Caledoniain May, andSenegalin February.
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 free of online restrictions. All the top VPNs boast a huge international network of servers – giving you plenty of choice.
At the time of writing, TechRadar’s #1 recommendation isNordVPN, as it offers easy-to-use apps, reliably quick speeds, great unblocking capabilities, and tons of security features. If you’re on a tight budget, though,Surfsharkis today’sbest cheap VPNon the market with subscriptions starting from the equivalent of about $2 per month.
I don’t generally recommend using free software because these services can put your privacy at risk. Some freebie VPNs make money by selling your data – exactly the opposite of what a VPN should do. In some instances, you also run the risk of infecting your device withmalwareor viruses.
Having said that, we put together a dedicated guide to thebest free VPNsout there to help you choose the most secure free software if you need a trustworthy VPN that doesn’t cost a cent. Our top picks right now arePrivadoVPNandProton VPN– but remember, they all come with limitations.
Beyond VPNs
While VPNs are the most widespread and easy-to-use privacy-boosting tools, they’re not the only way to circumvent blocks, bans, and geo-restrictions.
One of the best VPN alternatives is theTor Browser. The advantage of Tor is that’s completely free to use and offers an even higher level of security by rerouting your internet connections (and data in transit) through at least three encrypted layers. This boosted encryption, however, can considerably slow down your connection speed.
Proxy servicesare another effective method of spoofing your IP address. Contrary to VPNs, they don’t encrypt your internet connections, making them less secure overall. I strongly recommend users at risk of surveillance opt for a VPN, instead.
You can also use aSmartDNS serviceto bypass geo-restriction online with ease. Again, these services do not offer the same level of protection as VPNs, meaning they don’t encrypt your data. Worse still, a SmartDNS doesn’t even change your IP, and simply reroutes information about your location.
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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