Some governments and regimes resort to internet shutdowns as a way to suppress civil society and free media, hide human rights violations, or control information flow. These blackouts range from censoring specific websites and slowing down social media and messaging apps to completely turning off internet access.
In this guide, we will show you how to bypass an internet shutdown to regain access to vital online services, information sources, and communication channels. These simple yet effective methods will allow you to stay connected and informed, even in the most challenging situations.
Key Takeaways:
- Internet shutdowns are commonly used by governments to suppress dissent or control information.
- VPNs and Tor are great tools for navigating partial internet shutdowns, giving you access to censored apps and services.
- Establishing a mesh network or using satellite internet allows you to maintain communication and access to information during total internet shutdowns.
What are internet shutdowns?
An internet shutdown is when governments or authorities intentionally disrupt the internet, blocking access to all or specific online services. This can involve complete internet blackouts or targeted restrictions on social media and communication apps.
These actions are typically justified as measures for national security or public order, but they actually aim to control information and suppress dissent. Internet shutdowns have far-reaching consequences for everyone and do more harm than good.
Why do governments order internet shutdowns?
Here are a few reasons why governments shut down the internet:
- National security concerns: Governments often justify shutdowns as necessary for national security, especially during conflicts, to prevent the spread of information that could threaten public safety or destabilize the country.
- Suppressing dissent and protests: To hinder the organization and mobilization of protests or opposition movements, governments may shut down the internet, making it difficult for activists and civil society groups to communicate and gather support.
- Controlling information during crises: In times of crisis, authorities might enforce shutdowns to control the narrative, prevent the dissemination of dissenting views, and manage public perception by restricting access to news and social media.
- Stopping the spread of misinformation: Shutdowns are sometimes enforced to stop the rapid spread of rumors or false information that could lead to public panic, violence, or unrest, especially in volatile situations.
- Maintaining public order: During sensitive national events, such as elections or court rulings, internet access may be restricted as a precautionary measure to maintain public order and prevent the escalation of potential conflicts.
- Reinforcing political power: In more authoritarian regimes, internet shutdowns are a tool for political control, limiting the public’s access to information and restricting communication channels to consolidate governmental power.
How to bypass an internet shutdown
Here are some proven methods to bypass partial and complete internet shutdowns:
1. Download a VPN
Using a VPN is a powerful method to circumvent partial internet shutdowns, especially when specific websites or services are blocked. A VPN hides your actual IP address and reroutes your internet traffic through servers in different locations, bypassing local restrictions.
This allows you to access the internet as if you are in a different country where the services are not blocked. However, remember that VPNs rely on having some level of internet access to function, so they will not work in a total shutdown scenario.
When choosing a VPN, look for one with strong encryption and a proven no-logs policy to ensure your online activities remain private. Some governments may attempt to block VPN traffic, so it is advisable to use VPNs that offer obfuscated servers which can hide your VPN usage.
Related Read: How to Bypass Censorship with a VPN
2. Use Tor
Tor, also known as The Onion Router, is an effective tool for bypassing censorship during partial internet shutdowns. It anonymizes your internet activity by routing it through a network of volunteer-run servers, making it difficult to trace your online actions back to you.
Tor is particularly useful for accessing blocked news websites and social media platforms in restrictive environments. However, while Tor offers anonymity, it can be slower than typical internet browsing due to its multi-layered encryption and routing process.
Related Read: Tor vs VPN: What’s the Difference?
3. Sideload Apps
In situations where specific apps are blocked during a partial shutdown, sideloading can be a viable workaround. Sideload refers to the process of installing an app on your device without using the official app store. This is helpful if the app store itself is blocked or if certain apps are not available in your region due to censorship.
To sideload apps safely, always use reputable sources to download the APK files (for Android) or the app files for other operating systems. Be cautious, as sideloading apps from untrusted sources can expose your device to malware.
4. Create a Mesh Network
For total internet shutdowns, one potential solution is creating a mesh network. This operates by connecting multiple local devices to each other directly, forming a network without the need for central internet access. Each device in a mesh network becomes a node that can send and receive messages, allowing for localized communication.
Setting up a mesh network requires specific apps like Bridgefy and Briar as well as the participation of a significant number of people in the same area. While it will not provide access to the global internet, it can enable critical local communication during a complete shutdown.
5. Get Satellite Internet
Satellite internet can be a feasible solution during a total internet shutdown, as it does not rely on local internet infrastructure. By using a satellite dish to connect to the internet, you can bypass local restrictions and shutdowns. This technology is particularly useful in remote or rural areas where traditional internet access is unavailable or unreliable.
However, setting up satellite internet requires specific equipment, including a satellite dish and a modem, and can be more expensive than conventional internet services. Additionally, the initial setup and subscription costs can be high (services like Starlink cost $110 per month with a one-time equipment fee of $599), making it less accessible for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
What countries shut down the internet the most?
The countries most often reported for internet shutdowns in the past few years include but are not limited to:
- India: Particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, India has frequently implemented internet shutdowns during periods of political unrest or in response to security concerns.
- Myanmar: Following the 2021 military coup, Myanmar experienced extensive and prolonged internet shutdowns as part of the military regime’s efforts to control information and suppress opposition.
- Iran: Iran has periodically shut down the internet during political protests or unrest, as a means to control communication and limit the spread of information.
- Ethiopia: In response to political and ethnic conflicts, especially in regions like Tigray, Ethiopia has seen significant internet blackouts.
Can the internet be shut down worldwide?
No, a worldwide internet shutdown is not possible. The internet is a vast, decentralized network of computers and smaller networks globally. While some countries may censor parts of it, creating a ‘splinternet’ where each nation has its own internet version, turning off the entire global internet is virtually impossible.
