Many nations are currently enforcing internet censorship for a variety of reasons. Social media is one of the most prevalent of these areas. Individuals today use social media extensively in their daily lives. For them, it is a challenging scenario. Producing information to get over social media filters can be delicate because it frequently entails violating terms of service or getting beyond network regulations put in place for particular purposes, such as network security or workplace productivity.

Why Do Websites Get Blocked?

When social media platforms and websites identify an IP address that should not be able to access the restricted content, they block it. Your IP address provides your actual location and identifies your device online. It enables websites to identify your IP address and decide whether to allow or prohibit your device. Accessing restricted websites can be made possible by using a VPN, which makes it simple to conceal your IP address and make it look as though you are coming from a different physical place. However, these can also identify information that is saved in browser cookies. Additionally, unless the website can confirm that you are logged in and have a subscription, the page will be disabled if you attempt to access a subscription website or paywalled material.

Geo-Restricted Content

Streaming services with license agreements for its material, such Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify, frequently use geo-blocking. The movies and TV series they can offer in each of the areas they service are outlined in those agreements. For this reason, a lot of people who travel overseas utilize virtual private networks (VPNs) to unlock information that is accessible in their home country.

School and Work Restrictions

It is clear why a company or school could forbid you from accessing some materials, such social media, pornographic content, or dangerous websites. However, if they are blocking you from accessing news websites or streaming music, it is most likely due to concerns about bandwidth usage and productivity.

Censorship

Some countries censor online content within their borders due to cultural, religious, or political concerns, thereby limiting the flow of information. China, with its Great Firewall, is probably the most well-known example, censoring numerous websites such as Facebook and X (previously Twitter). When countries censor the internet, users frequently find ways to unblock banned websites and social media platforms.

ISP

Most internet service providers (ISPs) block websites for valid reasons, such as URLs that contain or transmit illicit or pirated content. If you live in a country with severe censorship laws, your ISP may be forced to block some websites in accordance with local restrictions. Furthermore, government-imposed laws can cause social networking sites to be prohibited.

How to Bypass Blocked Social Media and Websites

However, in educational or informational contexts, there are certain commonly accepted methods for individuals to utilize social media safely and ethically, while adhering to legal restrictions and network norms. 

Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Using a VPN is one of the simplest and most dependable ways to bypass content restrictions and access the URLs you want. A VPN (virtual private network) directs your internet traffic through a remote server, allowing you to specify your virtual location. When you connect to a webpage using a VPN, it assumes that the virtual location displayed by your VPN is your actual location, allowing you to unblock material in various geographical locations. That is only one of the advantages of using a VPN; they also encrypt your connection, which helps to secure the data and personal information you enter when purchasing online, such as credit card numbers.

This is where Enova VPN walks in. It has more than 250 servers and you can change the settings according to your preferences. There is also a global streaming option with ad-free feature. The good thing about Enova VPN is that you can use it on multiple devices simultaneously. So, this is a good option if you want to share with friends and family. You can get in-depth details about these features by visiting Enova VPN.

Try Proxy Websites

A web proxy is ideal for swiftly unblocking information on public computers. If you require a website unblocker for school — for example, Chromebooks that run Android apps — but are unable to download a VPN or Tor, consider using a web proxy. You will first connect to a proxy server, then access your selected website and social media accounts, all while masking your true location. Using a web proxy, you may easily learn how to unblock websites on a school computer or Chromebook. To utilize a proxy server, go to a proxy website, input the URL of the website you wish to visit, and then click a button to access it. 

Use the Tor Browser

Another way to get past geo-restrictions and content limitations is to use Tor. As the name suggests, Tor, also known as The Onion Router, encrypts your internet communication using many layers. Tor enables you to circumvent the majority of content restrictions and browse the web anonymously. Slow speeds are a drawback of Tor, despite the fact that it provides excellent online privacy. This is true because the Tor browser and network are volunteer-maintained open-source projects. Another drawback is that Tor is typically not installable on public, workplace, or educational computers.

Access Through HTTPS Instead of HTTP

Sometimes all it takes to get to the website you want is a simple alteration to the URL structure. The HTTP version of most websites is the only one that is prohibited; the HTTPS version remains accessible. You can gain access to banned websites by switching from HTTP to HTTPS. If only the unencrypted version of a URL is restricted, you may be able to access it by typing “https://” before it. You should be able to use this approach to access the website if it is not prohibited and has an HTTPS version.

Browser Extensions

You can swiftly get around content blocks on a school computer by using a proxy plugin, which is similar to a more practical web proxy. With a proxy extension installed directly in your browser, you may view banned content whenever you want without wasting time repeatedly browsing to the proxy. Google verifies the security of proxy extensions in the Chrome Web Store. Usually, they encrypt your connection to the browser.

Change your DNS server

You can also get around geo-blocked content by changing your Domain Name System (DNS) server, either manually or with a smart DNS proxy server. This works by making a website believe you are in a different place. Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS (iPhone or iPad) all allow you to switch DNS servers. Alternatively, you can use your router or browser to modify the DNS server. Your IP address is still visible if you use a smart DNS proxy alone, which is the main distinction between it and a VPN.

Use Safari Configurations

If you are using the Safari web browser on macOS or iOS, you can get around webpage or social media blocks by changing the browser settings. To access restricted websites, change your DNS settings or use a content filter. Open the Safari menu and select Preferences. Select the Advanced tab, then click the Change Settings option in the Web Content section. In the pop-up menu, select Custom and enter your new DNS server address. Add your selected proxy service endpoint address.

Final Thoughts

Unblocking websites and social media helps us to gain access to exclusive information, communicate with others, and experiment with new ideas. However, it is crucial to remember that these restrictions have a specific function, such as safeguarding users from unsuitable content or preserving focus in educational settings. In some circumstances, the constraints may be necessary to ensure compliance with specific laws or regulations. Furthermore, it is vital to remember that blocking a website is not intended to limit people, but rather to assist them stay secure and productive.