Latest news with #internetfreedom
France 24
7 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
Russian deputies back fines for clicking on 'extremist' content
Critics say the planned law, which has drawn rare criticism from across Russia's political spectrum, would stifle internet freedom. Russian authorities already block access to thousands of websites accused of hosting "extremist" content. The latest proposed legislation threatens fines of up to 5,000 rubles ($64) on anyone found to have deliberately searched for or gained access to material listed as extremist by the justice ministry. More than 5,000 entries are on the list, including web pages, political slogans, books, artworks and music albums. Among them are songs glorifying Ukraine, blog posts by feminist rock band Pussy Riot and information on the Wikipedia page for dynamite. Deputies in the lower house State Duma backed the bill by 283 votes to 22 in its second reading. It is not clear whether the bill has the support of the government. The Kremlin said the proposal needed "more detailed explanations" to allay people's concerns. "I am not familiar with the initiative by the deputies," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in response to a question from AFP. 'Attack on basic rights' The bill requires three readings and approval by Russia's upper house before President Vladimir Putin can sign it into law. During Thursday's second reading, lawmaker Alexander Teterdinko of the governing United Russia party said the legislation would only affect those who "deliberately" search for extremist material. "That is to say, if you Google something and material appears in the search results, but you do not click on it, do not read it, do not use it in any way... you will not fall under this article," he said. Other lawmakers, however, expressed concern over the apparent lack of safeguards. The bill was originally about tightening regulation over shipping clerks, but evolved as lawmakers inserted amendments. Deputy State Duma Speaker Vladislav Davankov called components of the bill an "attack on the basic rights of citizens". Russia's internet safety tsar warned the legislation would stifle her department's work. The bill would also ban advertising for virtual private networks (VPNs) and impose fines for transferring SIM cards to another person, both ways of browsing with more privacy. Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of pro-Kremlin broadcaster Russia Today, said the legislation would make it impossible to investigate and expose extremist groups. "I hope there will be amendments," she said on Telegram.
New York Times
27-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
The Internet Needs Sex
Texas' H.B. 1181, an online-age-verification law, might not sound like such a terrible idea. According to its proponents, it's designed to keep those who are underage from looking at pornography. On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the law, arguing that using age verification 'to prevent children from accessing sexually explicit content' is within a state's authority. Yet as reasonable as that statement might sound, I worry that these laws could mean the beginning of the end of something truly precious: the internet as an uncensored place to explore human desire in a way that's allowed for safe and private information, titillation and education. Texas is not unique in mandating that porn sites employ online age verification. In early 2023, Louisiana was the first state to pass such a law, requiring consumers to upload a government ID before getting access to adult content. Now a third of the states have passed laws so onerous that PornHub opted to block incoming traffic from said states, rather than collect identification. Most of the time, these bills have passed easily, drawing broad bipartisan consensus. And why wouldn't they? There's a dark side to the internet, and children, in particular, are especially vulnerable to the worst of it. With troves of deepfakes and revenge porn and child sex abuse material just a click away, we all want to do something. But the world of online sex is far more than just a depraved cesspool of the most abusive content. Vague, sweeping laws to rein in online sexual content could end up censoring those who want to share information about sexual pleasure and health, talk about L.G.B.T.Q. issues, celebrate kink or even distribute woman-friendly, consent-focused erotica. Overzealous application of these bans, enforced by people with sexual mores and tastes that might be more censorious, uptight or even bigoted than your own, will almost certainly curtail opportunities to explore sex online that should be preserved. Easy access to information about contraception, sex toys and safer sex are an essential component of safe, pleasurable intimacy. Online spaces can provide L.G.B.T.Q. people with queer and trans peers they might never encounter in real life, and information on queer sex — something that's rarely taught outside L.G.B.T.Q. spaces. Even explicit sexual media — sometimes, yes, hardcore pornographic photos and videos, but also written stories and audio content — can give many people a way to safely explore and learn about their turn-ons and desires. Despite the general belief that terms like 'pornography' and 'obscenity' have fixed meanings, history has demonstrated time and again that it's far from true. There have been several attempts to draw hard lines between what is 'acceptable' and what is 'obscene,' few of which have withstood the test of time. The Victorian Era's Comstock Act was used to bring charges against Planned Parenthood's founder, Margaret Sanger, for using the postal service to distribute her feminist magazine, 'The Woman Rebel.' Hollywood's Hays Code barred filmmakers from depicting queer and interracial relationships. America's current gold standard, the Miller Test, relies on 'community standards' to define what is obscene — but in the fractal age of the internet, it's often difficult to say which 'community' it is whose standards should be given priority. So who gets to decide what is obscene, anyway? While it may be tempting to assume that age-verification laws will remain limited to PornHub and the like, there's ample evidence to suggest that may not be the case. In recent years, the stated goal of protecting young people from potentially harmful material has often become a pretext for conservative attempts at censorship. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Gizmodo
10-06-2025
- Gizmodo
The Best Free VPNs for Russia: 2025 Comparison
Finding a free VPN that actually works in Russia? That's become a challenge of its own. With major providers being blocked, app stores filtered, and most free VPNs either logging your data or simply not connecting, what used to be a one-click install is now a test of patience, trust, and tech. And yet, people still need them — not just to stay secure but to stay connected. Ever since 2022, Russia has been one of the top five countries for VPN downloads, with massive spikes every time a major app or site was restricted. However, over 70% of the VPNs downloaded during those waves didn't work due to connection failures, outdated protocols, or deep packet inspection blocking them outright. That's why we put this list together. We filtered out the ad-stuffed, speed-throttled junk with fake or non-functional servers, and kept only the free VPNs that work in Russia, or at the very least, offer a risk-free trial that gives you full, safe access when it counts. Reasons to Use a Free VPN in Russia Russia's internet isn't just restricted, it's actively controlled. Access to independent news, social platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and even messaging apps like Telegram has been blocked or heavily monitored. But not just any free VPN for Russia will do. The government uses deep packet inspection (DPI) to detect and block VPN traffic, and most free options don't stand a chance. You need something that supports stealth protocols or obfuscated servers, so your traffic blends in and slips through the cracks. Privacy is another critical layer. Your activity is visible to ISPs and telecoms, and potentially the state. That's why strong encryption and zero-logs policies matter. Most free VPNs don't offer either, and many fund themselves by tracking your data and selling it off. That's a dangerous trade-off in an environment like this. And for those outside Russia trying to access local platforms like Kinopoisk or online banking, the options shrink even more. Most free VPNs have pulled Russian servers entirely. That's where NordVPN stands out. It doesn't operate inside Russia, but its obfuscated servers worked consistently in our tests. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee (or 7-day Android trial), you can use it completely free to stay protected, without cutting corners. In Russia, the real question isn't why you'd use a VPN — it's how you'd manage without one. Best VPNs for Russia to Pick in 2025 When it comes to Russia, you can't just download the first free VPN that pops up and expect it to work. With government-imposed VPN blocks, DPI filters, and unreliable app store access, most services will either fail to connect or get you flagged. That's why this list only includes VPNs that we've either tested firsthand inside Russia or confirmed to work reliably for Russia, whether you're looking to access blocked platforms, bypass censorship, or keep your identity locked down. 1. NordVPN – Best Overall VPN for Russia (Free for 30 Days) When most VPNs got choked out by DPI filters or silently blocked mid-connection, NordVPN stayed online, and was stealthy, stable, and shockingly fast. It's one of the very few VPN services that still works inside Russia in 2025, and better yet, it gives you the tools to set up everything manually without relying on blocked app stores. Obfuscation That Actually Works: NordVPN's obfuscated servers are designed to camouflage VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, making them hard to detect even under Russia's Deep Packet Inspection. In our tests, it bypassed regional ISP-level filtering, connected quickly over OpenVPN TCP, and maintained full access to Telegram, Instagram, and foreign news platforms. Setup Options That Bypass Blocked Stores: We tested both the regular app (via sideloaded APK) and manual OpenVPN config file setups. The manual route worked like a charm even on Android, where Russian users often struggle to get VPN apps from Google Play. With configs downloaded outside Russia, the install was smooth and fully functional inside the country. Privacy-First Security: NordVPN uses AES-256-GCM encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy, and a strict no-logs policy that's been independently audited five times. It also includes Threat Protection to block trackers, malware, and phishing domains, which is critical if you're using compromised networks or state-controlled ISPs. Free to Use for Up to 30 Days: You can try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days with a full money-back guarantee. Android users also get a 7-day free trial, making it one of the most accessible premium VPNs for Russian users. If you stick with it, pricing starts at just $3/month, which is a small price for staying invisible in a high-surveillance internet zone. Try NordVPN Risk-Free for 30 days Pros Obfuscated servers bypass censorship Works via APK and OpenVPN config Strong encryption and audited privacy Great speeds under restrictive networks Free to use for 30 days, no limitations Several servers in Eastern Europe Cons Requires manual setup for full stealth use 2. Proton VPN – Best Truly Free VPN That Still Connects in Russia While most free VPNs struggle to connect from inside Russia or don't connect at all, Proton VPN's free tier still gets the job done for light use, especially when paired with a little manual setup. It's not going to break speed records or handle HD streaming, but to stay secure and access blocked content, Proton is one of the last free VPNs that is still worth installing and using in Russia. Unlimited Data, Zero Payment Required: Proton VPN is one of the few free VPN services that offers unlimited data with no hidden limits or daily caps. You don't need to sign up with a credit card, and you won't get hit with ad spam either. We tested it over Russian ISPs using OpenVPN TCP with manual configurations, and it worked, though speeds were modest during peak hours. Websites like Wikipedia, Reddit, and news outlets loaded without issue, and even Telegram connected when other VPNs failed. Security You Can Trust: Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN operates under strict privacy laws, and its apps are open-source and have recently undergone independent audits. The free version comes with AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, which is rare for a free VPN. While it doesn't offer obfuscated servers on the free tier, it does allow OpenVPN custom config setups, which helped us bypass basic ISP filtering. Great for Basic Browsing, Not for Streaming: Let's be clear: this isn't your go-to for streaming Netflix (frankly, no 100% free VPN handles Netflix well) or uploading video content from Moscow. But if you need secure, uncensored access to basic websites, the free version of Proton VPN still holds up in 2025. Try ProtonVPN Now Pros Unlimited data with no payment required Open-source apps, independently audited The free version has servers in 5 countries Cons No obfuscation or stealth mode on the free tier Slower speeds and a limited server count 3. PrivadoVPN – Best Free VPN for Russia with Solid Encryption When you're in Russia and just need something that works without setting off alarms, PrivadoVPN's free tier hits a sweet spot. It's not the flashiest, and it won't help with hardcore censorship bypassing, but for secure, consistent browsing, it's a great free VPN. Fast Connections, No App Store Required: PrivadoVPN offers 10GB of free data per month, and the install process is smooth whether you use the app or go through OpenVPN manual configs. While it doesn't offer obfuscation, it still connected successfully on several Russian ISPs, especially when we used TCP-based setups. For casual browsing, checking Telegram, or using email securely, it was more stable than many free alternatives. Clean UI and Swiss-Based Security: The app is one of the cleanest in the free VPN space with no ads, forced redirects, or performance nags. Even better, PrivadoVPN is based in Switzerland, which means it benefits from some of the world's best data privacy laws. The provider enforces a strict no-logs policy and backs it up with AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a functional kill switch, all available even if you never upgrade to a paid plan. Not Built for Deep Censorship: If your goal is to bypass Russia's deepest VPN blocks or DPI-level filtering, this isn't the tool for you. There's no stealth mode or obfuscated traffic routing, so it's not built to break through aggressive state-level firewalls. But for low-profile use and non-political, encrypted access, it's one of the most trustworthy free VPNs for Russia that is still standing. Pros 10GB/month free with ad-free interface Swiss jurisdiction with a no-logs policy Reliable for email and casual web use Cons No obfuscated servers or DPI evasion No servers in Russia for local IP access 4. – Best Free VPN With Advanced Features and Split Tunneling is one of the few free VPN providers we tested in Russia that doesn't feel like a stripped-down version of its paid plan. While it has its limits, like a 10GB/month data cap and no Russian servers, it packs a lot of premium-grade features into a free product that still performs under tough conditions. Flexible Setup: We tested in Russia using both the standard app (via sideloaded APK) and OpenVPN manual configs. In both cases, it connected without friction. It doesn't offer obfuscation on the free tier, so it's not built to punch through heavy DPI filtering, but on less-restrictive ISPs, it held stable connections without detection. Modern Protocols: The standout here is protocol flexibility. You can choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, or SoftEther, even on the free plan, which is something most paid VPNs for Russia don't offer. That means more control if you're trying to tweak your connection to dodge throttling or port restrictions. Solid Privacy, No Compromises: is based in Malaysia, which is far from any surveillance alliances. It enforces a strict no-logs policy, includes AES-256 encryption, and protects against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Even better, it's one of the few free VPNs to include split tunneling, so you can choose which apps use the VPN and which don't, which is useful if you need a local connection for certain services. There are no Russian IP addresses available, but its nearby European servers (Germany, Netherlands) worked well for secure browsing and accessing international sites from inside the country. Pros Free 10GB/month with advanced support Split tunneling is included for free users Great for controlled, privacy-first browsing Cons No Russian servers No stealth mode for censorship bypass Wrapping Up If you're using the internet inside Russia, or just trying to watch Russian TV channels from abroad, you already know the stakes are high. Most VPNs don't connect. Many apps are blocked. Free services are throttled, stripped down, or outright detected by ISP-level filters. Of all the free VPNs for Russia that we tested, only NordVPN offered the right combination of stealth, stability, and setup flexibility. Its obfuscated servers worked across multiple Russian networks. Its config-based setup avoided app store restrictions. And its encryption stack held up under every pressure test we ran. Sure, there are decent free options like Proton VPN or PrivadoVPN for casual browsing, but for reliable, secure, and censorship-resistant access? NordVPN is the only one that delivers across the board, and you can still try it completely free for 30 days. FAQs Are you still figuring out how to stay connected securely with a free VPN in Russia? These are the questions we hear the most, and the answers actually help. Is using a VPN illegal in Russia? No, VPN use isn't outright illegal, but it is heavily restricted. Only government-approved VPNs (which log and filter traffic) are technically 'legal.' Any VPN that allows users to bypass blocks or access banned content is considered non-compliant. That doesn't mean users are routinely arrested for using VPNs, but it does mean your provider needs to be stealthy enough to avoid detection by ISPs. Can I download VPN apps in Russia? It depends. Many VPN providers have had their apps removed from the Russian version of the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. To circumvent this, users often sideload APK files directly from the provider's website or use manual OpenVPN configuration files. That's one reason we recommend services like NordVPN, as it offers both clean APKs and full .ovpn support. Will a free VPN protect me from Russian ISP surveillance? Not reliably. Most free VPNs lack key security features like obfuscation, a kill switch, or a no-logs policy. Some even inject trackers or ads. If privacy is your priority, use a VPN that's been independently audited and offers stealth tech. If it's free and claims to do it all, it's probably too good to be true. Can I still access Russian content from abroad with a VPN? It's increasingly difficult. Most major VPNs have removed Russian servers due to legal risk and operational restrictions. If you need access to Russian content from outside the country, your best option is a VPN that supports virtual Russian locations (very rare) or has nearby servers that work with localized services. Most free VPNs won't cut it.
South China Morning Post
05-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China's Hainan offers global internet access to some to boost free-trade port ambitions
China's southernmost province of Hainan is piloting a programme to grant select corporate users broad access to the global internet, a rare move in a country known for having some of the world's most restrictive online censorship, as the island seeks to transform itself into a global free-trade port. Advertisement Employees of companies registered and operating in Hainan can apply for the 'Global Connect' mobile service through the Hainan International Data Comprehensive Service Centre (HIDCSC), according to the agency, which is overseen by the state-run Hainan Big Data Development Centre. The programme allows eligible users to bypass the so-called Great Firewall, which blocks access to many of the world's most-visited websites, such as Google and Wikipedia. Applicants must be on a 5G plan with one of the country's three major state-backed carriers – China Mobile China Unicom or China Telecom – and submit their employer's information, including the company's Unified Social Credit Code, for approval. The process can take up to five months, HIDCSC staff said. Once approved, users will gain access to the global internet at no additional cost, according to an HIDCSC representative, who declined to be named because the person was not authorised to speak to news media. There are currently no restrictions on company size or business scope, and the service has attracted significant business interest, the person said. Advertisement
Gizmodo
07-05-2025
- Gizmodo
Best VPN for Venezuela in 2025: 40+ Services Tried and Tested
The Venezuelan government is increasingly tightening restrictions on internet freedom, with punitive repercussions for journalists, activists, and regular citizens who voice their dissent online. It doesn't help that the state owns the largest telecoms company, CANTV, and even private ISPs are forced to implement restrictions. If you're in Venezuela or are heading there, a high-quality VPN for Venezuela is your best bet for staying connected and under the radar of government monitoring. A solid VPN also ensures you can bypass geo-blocks, whether that means accessing foreign content from within the country or using Venezuela-locked services from abroad. Thing is, VPNs aren't all equally effective, and many are blocked or don't have servers in Venezuela anyway. But don't worry — in this guide, we've rounded up five services that deliver the best security, privacy, speeds, and access to local and international content. Best VPN for Venezuela — Our Top 5 Picks Check out the analysis below to see how our top picks for Venezuela compare. For each review, we break down what to watch out for and what we like about the provider so you can see how they compare. Gizmodo had experts on the ground to conduct the tests, so you can be sure you're getting insights based on real-world performance, not just marketing claims. Let's dive in. 1. NordVPN NordVPN leads the pack for plenty of good reasons. After all, the market leader is loaded with high-quality features and impresses across the board. You should have no issues finding a reliable server, since NordVPN's server fleet comes with over 7,400 servers across 118 countries. That includes a collection of virtual servers in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital. With such impressive coverage, you can be sure of excellent flexibility and stability. Considering Venezuela's generally poor internet connection speeds, using a VPN that doesn't add noticeable lag is a big deal, and NordVPN delivers on that front. In fact, it has consistently ranked as the fastest VPN service, a trend that continued during our latest tests when it blew the competition out of the water, clocking in highly impressive results. NordVPN breezes past censorship measures in Venezuela using obfuscation through the OpenVPN protocol. Relatedly, it effectively bypasses network restrictions and will unblock every website or streaming service you throw at it, from Netflix to Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. On the security and privacy front, NordVPN's full bag of features will safeguard your data and keep your activities private. The provider's arsenal includes AES-256 encryption, a customizable kill switch, DNS leak protection, Onion over VPN servers, Double VPN, and even built-in malware protection. A strict, audited no-logs policy means your ISP can't snoop on your browsing sessions. NordVPN is available across every popular operating system. One subscription covers up to ten simultaneous connections, way over the industry average. And when you subscribe, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee, which grants you more than enough time to try it out yourself, risk-free. Buy at NordVPN Pros Massive network Feature-rich service The best to unblock streaming services Robust security User-friendly apps Searing connection speeds Cons Price fluctuations Some feature complexity 2. ExpressVPN The self-styled 'best VPN for Venezuela in 2025' regularly ranks near the top of our list of the highest-rated VPN services. ExpressVPN has a network of over 3,000 servers spanning 105 countries, Venezuela included. While not the most expansive collection in the world, its servers are so well distributed that you can find relatively nearby options wherever you are. And they're speedy. With the VPN's optimized 10 Gbps infrastructure and speed-friendly custom protocol, Lightway, you can be sure of stable connections whenever you go online. Add that to how effortlessly it bypasses geo-blocking, and you can see why it's one of the best VPNs for Netflix. ExpressVPN holds its own against government surveillance with tough, dependable protection. It uses AES-256 encryption, the gold standard for VPN security, along with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and advanced features like perfect forward secrecy to keep your activity private and secure from prying eyes. There's also obfuscation to disguise your VPN traffic and bypass censorship. The provider operates from the British Virgin Islands, which is outside the jurisdiction of the data-grabbing Five Eyes alliance. Doubling down on its commitment to transparency and user privacy, it has also undergone more independent audits than any competitor. ExpressVPN supports a wide range of platforms and allows up to eight simultaneous connections with each subscription. Your package comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can always cancel if you're unimpressed and claim a full refund, no questions asked. Buy at ExpressVPN Pros Lightweight, easy-to-use apps Blazing-fast speeds Based in the British Virgin Islands Excellent unblocking capabilities Comes with obfuscation Cons Could be more affordable Missing some advanced features 3. Private Internet Access Private Internet Access is another super-reliable Venezuelan VPN. It's also the most budget-friendly VPN on this list, which should make it appealing to those on a budget. The provider has an extensive network of servers in 91 countries, including Venezuela. As a result, you can get a Bangladesh IP address from elsewhere to catch up with local content on platforms like Venevisión and VTV. PIA's servers are optimized for high-bandwidth connections, and they consistently delivered during our tests. We experienced buffer-free 4K streaming and could play online games without lag. To help you skip servers with high latency, the provider's apps come with a built-in nifty ping rate monitor. Optimized streaming servers bypass geo-restrictions on a wide range of streaming platforms, both Venezuelan and international. While it didn't always perform at this level, PIA has been stepping up its performance lately, now earning a place among the best VPNs for Paramount+. PIA guarantees safe and private internet access in Venezuela. It has plenty of high-level security features, and we like how you can configure the settings to suit your preferences. For example, you can upgrade the default AES-128 encryption to the more robust AES-256. Plus, its no-logs policy is trustworthy. We know that because it's been independently audited and even proven in court, not just once, but multiple times. That kind of track record gives you solid peace of mind, especially in high-surveillance Venezuela. The VPN offers an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance, which means all your devices are covered under a single subscription. You can install PIA on a wide range of operating systems, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Buy at Private Internet Access Pros Affordable plans Unlimited simultaneous connections Massive network No-logs policy proven in court Cons Apps could be more user-friendly Based in the United States 4. Proton VPN Free VPNs are largely ineffective in Venezuela due to their many limitations and the ease of blocking them. Proton VPN's free tier is superior to most options, but even that option pales in comparison to its Plus offering. Only Private Internet Access fields a bigger collection than Proton VPN's rapidly expanding network of 11,200+ servers across 117 countries. 8 of those servers are in Caracas, so you can instantly snag an IP address in Venezuela from elsewhere. Proton VPN excels at circumventing censorship blocks and geo-restrictions alike. During our tests, our expert on the ground could instantly view and use several blocked websites. What's more, Proton VPN unblocked every streaming service and TV channel they attempted on the first try. Not only does the service deliver fast connection speeds, but its VPN Accelerator proved quite helpful under the country's frequently unstable network conditions. Proton VPN has earned a reputation as a VPN you can trust with your online security. That's no surprise, seeing as it comes from the team behind the private email service Proton Mail. Your data and online identity are significantly more secure and private, thanks to a toolkit that includes AES-256 encryption, perfect forward secrecy, protection from DNS leaks, and Secure Core servers that route traffic through extra-safe locations before reaching its final destination. Annual audits have repeatedly proven that Proton VPN doesn't monitor your online sessions or collect identifiable data about your activities. Plus, its apps are open-source, so you can check under the hood for vulnerabilities yourself. Proton VPN is compatible with standard operating systems. It also has native apps for various smart TVs and streaming devices. Like NordVPN, you can connect up to ten devices at the same time. Buy at Proton VPN Pros Highly secure service Excellent unblocking capabilities Bypasses censorship in Venezuela Fast connection speeds Cons Not the cheapest Cluttered interface 5. Surfshark Surfshark is another strong choice if you're looking for an affordable VPN that still offers reliable performance both in and outside of Venezuela. It has a network of 3,200+ servers across 100 countries, and while it doesn't offer physical servers in Venezuela, it covers the essentials with virtual options. We're consistently impressed by their performance. Surfshark's servers are tuned for speed, so you can expect smooth streaming and fast downloads without constant buffering getting in the way. Considering Surfshark works in China, we expected it to make short work of Venezuelan censorship and monitoring measures — and it did, thanks to features like NoBorders and Camouflage Mode, its version of obfuscated servers. The provider isn't just great at beating government-imposed network restrictions, though; it's also pretty good for streaming. In our latest round of tests, it instantly unlocked Venezuelan TV channels and defeated formidable geo-blocking on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Surfshark crams a vast array of features into its lightweight, user-friendly package. You get state-of-the-art security tools like military-grade AES-256 encryption, a capable kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and CleanWeb, an effective ad and tracker blocker. It also comes with unique features like Alternative ID, a masking feature that creates a fake persona to mask your identity on sites you don't trust. Like Private Internet Access, Surfshark includes unlimited simultaneous connections, an underrated but valuable perk. With no limits, you can protect every device you own and even share with family using a single account. If you're unsure about committing, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it out risk-free. Buy at Surfshark Pros Beats censorship in Venezuela Speedy connections Unlimited simultaneous connections Excellent unblocking Cons Expensive monthly pricing Based in a Nine Eyes member country How We Picked the Best VPNs to Use in Venezuela When deciding on a VPN, it helps to know what really matters to you, especially if you live in a country with shrinking internet freedom. For Venezuela, these factors formed the core of our criteria for selecting the VPNs above: Privacy and Security These are non-negotiable, especially given the data privacy-unfriendly climate. So, we only included VPNs with strong encryption, an independently verified no-logs policy, and other industry-standard and advanced features. Censorship Bypass Many VPNs struggle to circumvent Venezuela's censorship efforts. That's why we prioritized providers with censorship-busting features like obfuscation and stealth mode. Server Coverage and Access Local access is limited, so broad server coverage was a part of our selection criteria. Every VPN listed has thousands of servers across dozens of countries, including connection points within Venezuela for people traveling abroad. We also checked how well these VPNs perform in unblocking both local and international content. Speed and Performance Connection speeds in Venezuela aren't great to begin with, so we filtered out VPNs that would ruin your experience by making things worse. Only services that maintained good performance during testing made the list. Overall Value Free VPNs didn't make the cut, and we'll touch on that briefly. In short, pricing (considered in isolation) didn't play a part in compiling this list. Instead, we focused on premium options that balance pricing with strong features, performance, and reliable service. Can You Use a Free VPN for Venezuela? We don't recommend it. Free VPNs have significant drawbacks, like slow speeds and data caps, that make them unreliable for streaming or bypassing censorship or network restrictions. They also have limited servers, which is highlighted by the fact that we couldn't dig up a single free VPN with Venezuelan servers. Even if you're only looking to use the VPN within Venezuela, the government's crackdown on popular free VPNs makes it really difficult to find one that works. Security is an even bigger issue. Many free VPNs log and sell your data, and some even lack proper encryption, risking your privacy. At best, a free VPN will work for casual, short-term use, but it's not ideal for anything more serious. If you're on a budget, check out these excellent free trials. Final Thoughts Maintaining privacy in Venezuela is no walk in the park, thanks to the heavy restrictions and surveillance in place. Your data and anonymity are always at risk when you go online without proper protection. The most effective way to safeguard yourself involves using a trusted VPN for Venezuela. In this article, we highlighted and briefly explored five exceptional options: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, PIA, Proton VPN, and Surfshark, with NordVPN standing out as our top choice. Still having trouble deciding? Our detailed comparison of NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN will surely help you out. Try NordVPN risk-free today
