Everyone has experienced this at least once in their lifetime. You’re looking forward to a new show, open the website to watch it, and then these awful words appear – ‘’This content is not available in your country.’’
It doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Many different methods exist to give you access to such restricted content. But first, let’s discover why someone would restrict any online content in the first place.
Why Is Some Content Restricted?
There are many different reasons for blocking content. Many websites, governments, and organizations follow this practice. These are the most common restrictions found online:
School and Workplace Restrictions
Many schools and businesses block specific websites to ensure maximum employee/student productivity. They often restrict social networks, sites with pornographic content, and entertainment portals.
Internet Censorship
Some countries censor internet content. They do it to avoid foreign propaganda attempts, or to restrict other countries from knowing what’s going on.
Distribution Rights
Media or streaming companies don’t allow accessing their movies, TV shows, or other content from another country. It is because that particular country hasn’t obtained licenses or distribution rights to stream their content.
How to Bypass Restrictions?
1.Use Tor Browser
Tor Browser has become a popular option for remaining anonymous online. This browser uses a large number of nodes to take you to the desired website. Because of these nodes, your digital footprint is hidden, making it almost impossible to detect who is on the other end.
In short, the Tor Browser conceals the IP address of your device and allows users to access different restricted content. It is effortless to set up, and the installation process lasts only a couple of minutes.
2.Use Proxy
Proxy servers are like a gateway between the user and the internet. Proxies redirect internet traffic through a proxy server to the requested address. Then, the request returns from that same proxy server, and it forwards the website data back to you. It also changes your IP, so the original website wouldn’t be able to recognize your location.
There are different types of proxies, including:
- Anonymous proxy
- Transparent proxy
- High anonymity proxy
- Distorting proxy
3.Use VPN
VPNs are the most widely-used service for accessing restricted content. VPN stands for ‘’virtual private network,’’ and it allows the user to connect to a dedicated server in another country. When doing so, it masks the IP address and assigns a local IP address. It tricks the website into thinking that the user is located in that particular country. Here is some genuine reviews about Speedify VPN, check out his article at blinklist.com
Moreover, VPNs can also protect you from hacking attacks and come with many other features. It depends on the software company that you choose. For example, besides the regular VPN option, NordVPN also includes:
- Kill switch
- Invisibility on LAN
- DNS leak protection
- CyberSec option
4.Use Short URLs
This method works when you try to access content blocked in your school or workplace. A wide variety of websites offer shortened URLs using services like TinyURL or Bit.ly. Because most blocking security systems flag full addresses, you can try to trick it by entering the shorter version. If it works, you will be redirected to the desired website.
5.Use Translating Services
It is a clever little trick that few people are aware of. Online translation services such as Bing and Google Translate offer full web page translations. By doing so, the original website doesn’t see your IP address because you open it through a translating medium. You can do so by going to the translation website, entering the URL into the translation box, and clicking ‘’translate.’’
6.Use RSS Readers
RSS feeds collect news from various resources all over the web. They allow users to access reading material in a standardized format and receive updates from favorite websites. Although this method won’t work for every single site, you can try to locate the blocked content within the app. Once again, you’re using a medium and not accessing the website directly so that you can trick the website.
7.Use SmartDNS
SmartDNS operates on a similar level as VPNs and proxies. But they reroute the information about your location rather than the whole internet connection. You can still access restricted content, and it has less of a toll on your internet speed. What’s also great is that some VPNs include SmartDNS feature in their service, so make sure to check that out.
The Bottom Line
Using any of the methods above will likely work and allow you to access restricted content. But before making a final decision, don’t forget to perform thorough research. For example, while proxies are a useful solution, they don’t offer any security features. Using VPNs might be illegal in some countries such as Turkey, North Korea, China, or Iraq. As you can see, there are both benefits and downsides to each approach. Be diligent, explore different ways, and finally, enjoy your favorite website or TV show.
