MyWeku

By Willemien Groot

Internet blockades are more the rule than the exception in non-democratic countries. But there are ways to get round them, even though no censorship circumvention tool is 100 percent safe. Rule number 1: you’re clever, but the authorities are cleverer.

There are plenty of circumvention tools, but using them carries a risk. That’s the main message of a recent study by human rights group Freedom House. It also depends exactly what you’re doing on the internet: uploading, downloading or just surfing. Internet cafés never offer full anonymity. Owners can keep an eye on your internet use remotely and report ‘abuse’ to the authorities.

Just to add to Willemien’s write up. The Graphic below shows what happens when upset dictators and governments decide to block internet access.

USB stick

The more successful a circumvention tool becomes, the more likely it becomes authorities will block the site providing it. Tools you can store on a USB stick and software available via other websites (mirrors) are therefore becoming increasingly important.

Circumvention tools are made both by non-governmental organizations and commercial companies. This is not only to support press freedom or activism, but also based on the simple philosophy that all information on the internet should always be available to everyone. Below is a summary of the 11 best-known tools.

Tor

Developed by the Tor Project. Worldwide, the best-known circumvention and security tool.

Pros: Easily available and easy to use. Good technical support.

Cons: Makes connections slow.

Psiphon

Developed by the University of Toronto’s CitizenLab. Connections run via different servers in different countries, making origins hard to trace. Works on the basis of invitation by Psiphon to counter abuse.

Pros: No need to download software. Handy for use in internet cafés.

Cons: Invitation is a built-in security shell, but also an obstacle for users who don’t know anyone to arrange an invitation for them. Psiphon has no official security certificate. Makes connections slow.

Ultrasurf

Developed by Ultrareach, partner of the Global Internet Freedom Consortium. Works as a program in Windows.

Pros: Easy to use. Leaves no trace when uninstalled.

Cons: Has a bad name because it was said to have distributed viruses in the past.

YourFreedom

Developed by Reichert Network Solutions. Software is free, but possibilities are limited. Possible to pay for an upgrade.

Pros: Good technical support.

Cons: Possibilities of free version limited, especially for sending data.

Continue here: AllAfrica.com