DW: Tips for bypassing Internet censorship

This overview shows which tools are available and provides a quick guide on how to find and use them.

The Psiphon bypassing tool

DW uses the censorship bypassing tool Psiphon to enable users to access content from DW and any other websites or platforms that would otherwise be blocked in their home markets.

Users just need to send an empty e-mail to [email protected]. They will receive an automatic response with a download link for Psiphon. Android and Windows users are then provided with a VPN completely free of charge. iOS users receive a Psiphon app for download via the provided link. Unfortunately, the app can, at times, be throttled.

The Tor browser

DW users can download the Tor browser to access the DW website and other online content anywhere in the world. Short for "the onion router", Tor ensures anonymity when users are surfing. While all sites are accessible, only the sites with so-called "onion services" are completely anonymous.

As with Psiphon, users can download Tor by sending an empty e-mail to [email protected]. They will then receive an automatic response with a download link.

IMPORTANT: To make sure the browser works, open the browser settings and select "Use a bridge" under "Bridges" and request one from torproject.org.

Virtual Private Networks

Virtual Private Networks can be a valuable tool in circumventing censors. Information on how to use VPNs and what to watch out for can be found here.

VPNs can be used to connect a private computer from within a non-free government-controlled network to a server on the free Internet.

Security can be an issue, as not all VPN providers maintain privacy to the same degree.

When in doubt, users should download Tor to ensure their data is safe.