While most of the world’s web is a liberal space for people to communicate freely and access information. Of course, this sense of freedom is not entirely what it seems to be. While access is often unlimited, and we may seem to have all the options, we pay for this with our data. Thanks to the internet medium, governments and companies can track us more easily and collect information about us whether we consent or not.
Unfortunately, some countries suffer downright violations of their privacy. While locations like China, India, or Iran invade the lives of their citizens with cameras and other physical forms of surveillance, the online environment is no better. Severely limited websites, filtered content, and monitored participation online to a point where one ambiguous comment on a social media post could cost you time in jail – an abysmal reality for some.
It’s one of the reasons why software like VPN (Virtual Private Network) was designed in the first place – to reclaim privacy online. At present, many people from surveillance-loving countries opt for this technology to access forbidden content or regain freedom of speech.
What is a VPN?
Let’s start with a basic definition. A VPN is an intermediate agent operating between the internet and your device. Whether on an app or extension, you connect to a server in whichever location you desire. Once done, you get an IP address matching the whereabouts, and your whole web traffic is routed through a safe tunnel.
Any modern VPN worth its salt employs the industry-standard AES-256 encryption. It offers nearly perfect protection against overly curious snoopers, which is why establishments like banks rely on it. With a VPN for India or a similar country, not even your ISP or the government should be able to monitor your online behavior. They’ll only see intangible code should they try their luck.
VPN vs surveillance: an ongoing battle
The catch is that oppressive countries are well aware of VPNs. The governments undoubtedly see such technology as a significant threat against mass online surveillance, so they proactively combat VPN use. For example, higher institutions collaborate with ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to immediately report any use of VPNs and block them. Your internet provider may note long absences of your data or straight up locate a VPN.
DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) is another huge cog in the grand mechanism of governmental attempts to block VPN use. It’s a complex technology that allows for in-depth analysis of content and data packets. Thanks to DPI, the government can determine what goes through and what’s blocked. Naturally, they apply the exact procedure to VPNs to identify their traffic based on aspects like protocol and stop the service.
On top of that, strict governments employ national firewalls. As you may expect, they’re sophisticated systems that are no match even for seasoned hackers. In short, they closely monitor incoming and outgoing web traffic. Once something unfavorable is detected, it’s instantly blocked from entering or leaving local domains.
What VPN bypasses strict firewalls?
With such anti-VPN measures in the arsenal, governments that impose mass surveillance make it particularly difficult for providers to create a service that citizens can rely on. After all, what use of software if it gets blocked the moment you use it? Though these technologies may be harsh, the most prominent providers, like NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN, continue to adapt.
Here’s what a VPN needs to successfully bypass firewalls and Deep Packet Inspection:
- Modern tunneling protocols. The best one is WireGuard. It’s a contemporary protocol that combines speed, stability, and security. Either choose a service with this protocol or a proprietary one built around WireGuard, like Lightway or NordLynx.
- Industry-standard encryption. Don’t settle for less than AES-256 encryption. Though it’d be hard to find a VPN among the Top 20 that doesn’t have it, still be aware that it’s necessary.
- Private measures. Not all services have extra features for bolstering anonymity, so you should check for what’s on the platter with each VPN. The most time-tested features are RAM-only servers or MutliHop for double routing.
- Stealth features. The most important ability is to use obfuscation or other stealth tactics to bypass firewalls and DPI. Only pick a VPN that offers obfuscated servers, Stealth VPN, or other similar measures since they conceal the use of the service on top of securing your privacy.
Conclusion
Mass surveillance is an acute problem that has no place in the 21st century. Unfortunately, technological advancements create an environment that is too convenient for constant monitoring and violation of privacy. People in countries like Russia, India, or China have no freedom of speech, and their options online are severely limited. Consequently, more people are seeking ways to outmaneuver at least digital surveillance.
Luckily, a VPN rises to the occasion as the advocate for the human right to explore the web without limitations and preserve their privacy. A well-developed service slips through advanced protection imposed by governments, such as national firewalls or Deep Packet Inspection. Though, of course, not every VPN is suited for it. But once you get the right software, the surveillance will depress you no longer.
