Best VPNs for social media in 2024: Access from anywhere

Is Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok blocked in your country? Are social media sites blocked at work or in school? In this guide, we highlight the best VPNs for social media.

Nowadays, social media is ubiquitous. It isn't until we lose access to services like Facebook or Twitter that we suddenly realize how useful they are. Overreaching governments around the world understand the power of social applications, which is why they often block access to Facebook, Instagram, and other services during protests or when elections are underway.  

The good news is that anybody can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for social media to bypass this type of censorship. As a result, you can regain access to Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, Discord, Instagram, TikTok – or any other social media site that interests you.

A reliable social media VPN also encrypts your internet connection to let you use social media anywhere without being monitored. This gives you the privacy you need to use social media at work, or in a country where social media is blocked.

The VPNs recommended in this guide also work to use social messengers and VoIP apps like Skype and Facebook Messenger in countries like the UAE. They will protect your data against hackers on public WiFi, and let you change your IP address to access region-locked streaming services like Netflix while traveling abroad.

You can use the list below to see which are the best VPNs for social media. Our recommendations have large server networks that work to access popular services like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter – or even the new Twitter rival – Threads. To find out more about each of our recommended VPNs for Facebook – and other restricted social media sites and social networks – you can scroll down for in-depth summaries designed to help you pick.

The best VPNs for social media:

1. NordVPN: The best social media VPN for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others. Accesses VoIP apps privately. Has fast servers and extensive global coverage. Robust encryption and advanced features for secure browsing in any location. Apps for all popular platforms. Has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service.
2. Surfshark: Best cheap VPN for social media. Has user-friendly apps for all popular tablets, smartphones, and computers. Budget-friendly subscription plans that provide unlimited connections mean you can share your account with friends and family. Strong encryption and a kill switch for enhanced security. Supports multiple platforms.
3. ExpressVPN: Proprietary protocols and fast servers worldwide. User-friendly apps ensure seamless access to social media websites. Prioritizes privacy and security and comes with everything you need to access social media at work, in China, or anywhere else.
4. CyberGhost VPN: A beginner-friendly VPN for social media users. Has servers in 100+ countries. Comes with a simple interface but includes strong security features. Works to access streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max. 
5. Proton VPN: An advanced and highly secure VPN. Ideal for privacy-conscious social media users in countries where privacy is essential. Includes obfuscation for added protection. Port forwarding and split tunneling make it great for torrenting. Supports multiple platforms, secure connections. 
6. PrivateVPN: A Swedish VPN with strong security and a proprietary server network. Decent speeds for streaming and gaming on social media, but isn’t the fastest VPN on this list. Strict no-logging policy. Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Includes port forwarding.
7. Atlas VPN: Fast WireGuard protocol by default. Servers in 44+ countries.  User-friendly apps come with ad blocking, MultiHop, and split tunneling. Works to access streaming services, game servers, and social media in any location. Has a basic free plan.

Summary Table

Finding a reliable VPN for social media can be hard if you don't know what to look for. There are many competing VPN services vying for your business, and most of them fall short when it comes to protecting your privacy and preventing online tracking.

To make things even worse, many terrible VPNs get good reviews on Google Play and other app stores. This is primarily due to clueless consumers who aren't aware that the VPN is failing to protect their privacy; putting them at risk. This makes it hard to find a reliable VPN that is safe to use for bypassing social media blocks in countries like China – or on restricted networks.

To help our readers, we have developed a precise methodology for testing and recommending VPNs. We put privacy and security first when choosing VPNs, but also tailored this guide to people who want to access Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

Later in this article, we will provide additional information about how we test and recommend VPNs for social media users. You can see some of the most important features we looked for below:

• Strong security: Our priority is VPNs that offer robust encryption, support multiple protocols, include a kill switch, and protect against DNS leaks. These measures ensure your online activities remain secure and private while using social media.
• No-logs policy: Our recommended VPNs adhere to trustworthy no-logging policies, meaning they don't track or share your personal data such as your home IP address, server connections, or browsing habits.
• Fast speeds: Optimal performance is crucial for tasks such as streaming, gaming, and video calls on social media platforms. Our recommended VPNs employ fast protocols and servers to support data-intensive activities.
• Large server network: We selected VPNs with extensive server networks spanning multiple regions worldwide. This allows you to bypass restrictions and obtain an IP address from virtually anywhere.
• User-friendly apps: We evaluated VPNs based on their user-friendly interfaces and reliable security features across smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Additionally, these VPNs offer compatibility with Windows, macOS, Android, Firestick, routers, and even browser extensions.
• Reliable customer support: Recognizing diverse technical skills among users, we focused on VPNs that provide excellent customer support through live chat, email assistance, comprehensive guides, FAQs, and other valuable resources.

To be included as one of our top three providers, we additionally require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of cross-border spying alliances. 

Best VPNs for social media

The list above is designed to give you a quick understanding of what is available. All of the best VPNs for social media have distinct features and advantages, which you can find in our detailed summaries below.

We have outlined all the features that each VPN has to let you pick the right VPN for your needs whether you want to torrent, work remotely, stream on vacation, or play games and access social media at work.

NordVPN is a service that has become synonymous with both value and quality. The VPN offers apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick, which means that you can access social media on just about any device you might own. 

The VPN is fast thanks to its proprietary WireGuard fork, NordLynx, which makes it exceptionally good for streaming in HD, downloading torrents, playing data-hungry multiplayer games, or making VoIP calls privately in the UAE on apps like Zoom, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger. If you want to use social media in China, this VPN works. It hosts numerous mirrors of its website to help users in China (and other restrictive countries) bypass local blocks to take out a subscription. 

The VPN has strong encryption, a choice of reliable protocols, MultiHop connections, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation. It’s secure enough to use social media at work, in school, or anywhere else where it is unavailable.

NordVPN invests heavily in its server network, and it now runs more than 6,000 servers in 60+ countries. This ensures that it can cater to an ever-growing client base without suffering from network congestion.

Its no-logging policy, apps, and server network have been independently audited, and the entire network runs on diskless servers to provide additional security.

We tested the VPN to use Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Twitch, Discord, Reddit, and countless other social media sites. We also used it to watch BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Crunchyroll, Sling TV, Peacock, BT Sport, and ESPN without issues. This makes Nord an exceptional all-rounder that is hugely popular with people around the world. 

NordVPN has many advanced features, including split tunneling, a process-specific kill switch, and an ad blocker.

Live chat is available 24/7, and the VPN has superb setup guides and FAQs. You can even test it yourself on up to six devices by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VPN: NordVPN offers exceptional speeds for videoconferencing, streaming, gaming, and using social media. Works with Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and more. Excellent value for money. Has a solid no-logs policy and is based in Panama for added privacy. NordVPN works with popular streaming services like Netflix. Has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is ideal if you want an affordable and privacy-focused VPN that can access social media from anywhere. Plans start at just $2.39 per month, and it allows unlimited device connections, making it perfect to share your account with friends and family.

Surfshark offers strong encryption with various protocols, including WireGuard for faster speeds. Servers are located in 100+ countries, which means you can get an IP address anywhere required to access your social media accounts.

During our tests, Surfshark demonstrated an impressive average download speed of 188 Mbps, suitable for data-intensive online gaming or HD streaming. It works with Netflix US and numerous regional catalogs, as well as popular streaming services like Hulu and BBC iPlayer.

Surfshark's Nexus technology enables periodic IP address changes without disconnecting from the VPN. It supports multiple platforms, including iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. You can use it to access social media on tablets, smartphones, and laptops.

The VPN strictly adheres to a no-logs policy, safeguarding your personally identifiable information. Its numerous security features make it safe to access social media at work, in school, or in countries where Facebook and other services are banned.

Surfshark allows torrenting, offers split tunneling, and provides additional features like ad blocking and malware filtering for enhanced web surfing security. It includes 24/7 live chat and a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST CHEAP VPN FOR SOCIAL MEDIA: Surfshark offers fast connections for streaming and gaming on social media platforms. It effortlessly bypasses restrictions on public WiFi, at work, and even in countries like the UAE or China. Strong encryption, a kill switch, obfuscation, ad blocking, and DNS leak protection. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is a reputable VPN established in 2009. It offers a reliable and secure service perfect for accessing social media anywhere in the world. Connections support OpenVPN, IKEv2, and ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol for optimal speeds.

With servers in 105+ countries, ExpressVPN provides an extensive network of over 3,000 servers, making it an excellent choice for accessing blocked websites and social media services at work, school, or on public WiFi. 

Our tests confirmed that it works to access popular streaming platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Showtime, and HBO Max. It’s perfect if you are going on vacation abroad but want to use your home services.

ExpressVPN's solid no-logging policy ensures trustworthiness and enhances privacy and security whether you're at home, work, using public WiFi, or browsing anywhere else. It supports multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and routers. You'll be able to unblock any social networking sites, evading ISP throttling in the process. 

24/7 live chat is available, and the VPN connection. includes a reliable kill switch for secure torrenting. However, it is relatively expensive and limited to simultaneous connections on up to eight devices. Additionally, there are fewer advanced features compared to our top recommendation, and split tunneling is only available in its desktop apps.

EXCELLENT ALL-ROUNDER: ExpressVPN's high-speed connections and robust encryption provide you with online privacy and excellent reliability for using social media in any location. Works to access popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, iPlayer, and more. Has a strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee to test it yourself.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost is an excellent VPN choice for beginners who want to access blocked social media sites, whether at work, in school, on public WiFi, or in countries where they are restricted. With a vast network of over 10,000 VPN servers in 100+ countries, you can easily get an IP address abroad to bypass blocks while on vacation or at the office.

Dedicated apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android to let you use social media on any device. You can install and use the VPN on up to seven devices, which is usually enough for most power users and families.  

If you want a VPN for streaming, CyberGhost simplifies server selection by labeling its servers to access popular streaming platforms in over 15 countries – a unique feature among VPN apps that makes it even easier to use.

During our tests, CyberGhost successfully worked to watch platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney Plus on vacation. It also worked to access social media sites, Reddit, Twitch, YouTube, and anything else we tried. 

While it lacks some advanced features like split tunneling and port forwarding, it offers strong encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and other essential tools to keep you protected online. It protects your device against hackers on public WiFi, and prevents ISP tracking at home.

Based in Romania, CyberGhost is out of reach of the US, the UK, and other invasive jurisdictions. The VPN has been acquired by Kape Technologies, so ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access are now its sisters. The good news is that all those VPNs are a) reputable, and b) independently managed.

With a 45-day money-back guarantee and live chat support, CyberGhost gives you everything you need to get set up and try the VPN risk-free.

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS: CyberGhost makes it easy to access social media at work, in school, on public WiFi, or in countries where it is blocked. Works to access Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and other popular services. Includes watertight security despite being easy to use. Has servers in 90+ countries. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Proton VPN was launched back in 2017 by the developers of ProtonMail. Although it may not be the simplest or cheapest option for social users needing to communicate with friends on Facebook or other popular services, Proton VPN is an excellent all-rounder for those who want a multi-purpose VPN. 

Proton VPN offers robust apps for all platforms that come packed with advanced features, including a kill switch, DNS leak protection, MultiHop connections, split tunneling, and port forwarding.

With premium servers spanning 71+ countries, you can easily get an IP address where you need it. Proton works to access most popular streaming services, including Netflix. That said, we recommend you test it with your favorite streaming services first. It's not quite as good for streaming as our top choices and may not work with some TV services.

Proton VPN has a limited free plan with servers in the Netherlands, the US, and Japan. However, those free servers are slower than the paid options and do not support streaming. It should still work to access social media for free, which is great if you are in a country that is blocking social media during elections or for other political reasons.

Paying subscribers get access to live chat, though it can be a touch tricky to find. We love the quality of Proton’s support resources, which include FAQs and guides to help get you set up on any device.

Proton VPN is a touch more expensive compared to some of the other options, but you get many useful advanced settings. Proton VPN goes the extra mile by providing obfuscation and secure core servers. These things help to increase your privacy. You can test the VPN using its money-back guarantee.

SUPER ADVANCED: Proton VPN can safely access social media from anywhere. The premium version works with Netflix and many other popular services. Decent speeds for making VoIP calls. Includes port forwarding. Its NetShield feature blocks ads and malicious sites. 30-day money-back guarantee to test it yourself.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

PrivateVPN is a reliable and popular VPN based in Sweden that offers excellent value for money. It serves as an ideal solution for accessing blocked social media sites at work and in countries with online restrictions.

It operates under Sweden's jurisdiction, which lacks mandatory data retention directives, ensuring it can adhere to a strict no-logs policy. The VPN lives up to its name and provides a service perfect for torrenting, accessing restricted websites, using VoIP privately, and accessinging social media at work.

With IP addresses available in 63+ countries, PrivateVPN operates a self-owned and managed server network. It can access a wide range of popular services and websites worldwide, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

The VPN supports port forwarding and allows torrenting throughout its network. Although split tunneling and WireGuard support are currently unavailable in its apps, WireGuard can be used via a third-party client, with plans to roll out native WireGuard support in the future.

A PrivateVPN subscription comes at a low cost, considering its comprehensive features such as a kill switch, multiple protocols, obfuscation, and AES encryption. It’s an ideal choice for bypassing censorship and ensuring the secure use of public WiFi in any country.

The main drawback of PrivateVPN is its slower speeds compared to our other recommendations. However, we experienced no issues while streaming Netflix, YouTube, or using social media. If you are concerned about speeds, you can compare it to other options using its money-back guarantee.

GREAT VALUE: PrivateVPN provides reliable apps that connect to secure servers in 63+ countries. It works seamlessly with popular streaming services, including approximately 15+ Netflix regions. Enjoy fast speeds for social gaming and video streaming. 30-day money-back guarantee lets you compare it to any other service risk-free.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

AtlasVPN is another reliable option for accessing blocked social media sites at work or in countries with online restrictions. Launched in 2019, the VPN has quickly gained a following worldwide thanks to its free plan, unlimited connection allowance, and fast WireGuard implementation. 

The free plan provides 5 GB of monthly data and lets you connect to servers in the US and Holland. It can be used to enhance your privacy on public WiFi networks and helps bypass social media blocks. Bear in mind that the free servers are pretty slow and will not work to access popular streaming services.

Custom apps are available for iOS, Windows, macOS, and Android. You can install and use the VPN on any number of devices, which is great for sharing an account with friends and family.

The apps feature DNS leak protection, a kill switch, MultiHop connections, ad blocking, malware filtering, and split tunneling. The only drawback is that the kill switch leaks for a moment during reconnection, so we would advise you to pause your torrents until it has fully reconnected.

AtlasVPN defaults to the WireGuard protocol, which provides excellent speeds for streaming. In our tests, it worked to watch Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ on vacation. Live chat is available for members only, which is a bit of a pain, but you can test it risk-free and chat with support for a month using its money-back guarantee. 

FANTASTIC ALL ROUNDER: AtlasVPN has servers in 44+ countries. Fast WireGuard protocol is ideal for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Works to access social media at work and from abroad. Secure encryption, MultiHop connections, and ad blocking are included. Split tunneling to use the VPN for some tasks while bypassing it for others. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of AtlasVPN.

Social Media VPN testing methodology

In our quest to find the best VPNs for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, we have tailored our recommendations specifically for social media users. We prioritized online security above all else, meaning that these VPNs will give you privacy no matter where you use the internet. This makes them ideal for preventing online tracking and avoiding the risk of hackers while traveling and using social networks. 

We selected VPNs that prioritize these aspects while providing the features you need to access social media anywhere that it might be blocked. This includes a large global server network of fast servers suitable for streaming and engaging in VoIP calls, along with other online activities.

You can read our testing methodology guide to find out more about our testing process, and below you can see a list of important features we looked for when recommending the best VPNs for social media networks.

• Strong privacy and data security: We prioritize VPNs that offer robust encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and reliable protocols to safeguard against data snooping and hackers. This lets you access social media privately from any location.
• Fast speeds: Slow VPNs can hinder your social media experience. We recommend VPNs with fast servers and protocols like WireGuard, ensuring smooth access to social media platforms without compromising on speed.
• Reliable support: We understand that not everyone is well-versed in VPNs, and we all need to start somewhere. Our recommendations provide reliable customer support through email, live chat, and comprehensive guides to help get you set up.
• Superb accessibility: We extensively tested each recommendation to ensure it can reliably access social media platforms like Facebook, regardless of your location or network restrictions. Extra points were awarded to VPNs that also work with popular streaming services.
• Value for money: We recommend VPNs that offer exceptional service at a fair price. We even highlight a couple of VPNs with limited free plans, allowing users to access social media without the need to spend a dime.
• Third-party audits: Our top three recommendations have undergone rigorous third-party audits of their infrastructure and policies, providing verified security and reinforcing trust in their service.
• Diskless servers: To enhance security, our top three VPNs were chosen because they operate on RAM-only servers. This unique feature allows for the immediate erasure of all data passing through a server in an emergency.

The importance of accessing social media with a VPN

Social media has become a vital tool for communication, information dissemination, and organization, which is why it is important to guarantee access to these services. 

Due to the widespread social media restrictions imposed around the globe, it seems crucial to understand the significance of always having a VPN at your disposal. These services offer a massive lifeline, providing access to social media in regions where governments impose restrictions during elections and protests, for example.

If you aren’t aware of this danger, we have included some examples of social media blocks below:

• Uganda: During the 2021 general elections, Uganda's government temporarily blocked social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, to curb the spread of opposition voices and control the narrative surrounding the election.
• Myanmar: Following the military coup in February 2021, the Myanmar government-imposed internet restrictions and blocked Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stifle dissent and limit the organization of protests.
• China: The Great Firewall of China consistently restricts access to major social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, effectively controlling the information landscape and curbing dissent.
• Egypt: During the Arab Spring in 2011, the government imposed blocks on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. These blocks were used to stifle the voices of dissent and hinder the organization of protests calling for political change.

Accessing social media through a VPN becomes invaluable in these types of circumstances. One important thing to remember is that you never know when these types of blocks might be imposed. So, if you often travel, it is a good idea to add a VPN to your tool belt. This ensures that you won't become stranded and unable to communicate with friends and family back home, who would otherwise be worried sick about you.

It is also important to remember that even if social media isn't completely blocked, governments often enforce post takedowns and account suspensions locally, making it challenging to access information. With a VPN, you can bypass these restrictions to ensure that you can always escape the bubble of censorship imposed in many countries around the globe.

Social media VPN FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for social media?

Yes. We have recommended two VPNs in this guide that have a basic free plan. The benefit of these recommendations is that they do not skimp on security, and have solid privacy policies that never put your data at risk. This makes those free VPNs safe to use to access social media from anywhere in the world. This is perfect if you can't afford a premium VPN but need to access Facebook or Messenger to communicate with friends and family.

Not all free VPNs are safe. Many free VPNs advertised online and in app stores have lax privacy policies. These VPNs harvest user data for profiling purposes and sell information about their users to third parties to make money. This is the opposite of what a reliable VPN is supposed to do, which is to provide online privacy.

Studies have revealed that a large number of free VPNs track their users, lack encryption, have server and app vulnerabilities, and even conceal spyware in their apps. This makes using free VPNs a huge risk to the safety of your digital footprint and the health of your devices.

If you stick to the free VPNs recommended in this guide you will be able to use the internet with added privacy whether you connect at home, at work, or on public WiFi. The only caveat is that the free plan is quite limited compared to a paid account. Free servers are often congested with users, which makes them slow. 

They may also enforce download restrictions, which limit how much you can use the VPN each month. They do not work to access popular streaming services like Netflix. That said, they should grant you access to Instagram, Facebook, and other popular social media platforms. 

If you are short on cash, then we recommend that you try out our free recommendations. If you decide you need better speeds, then you can always upgrade to a paid plan to make use of the additional server locations, faster speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and access to streaming-optimized servers.

Why is social media blocked at work and school?

Many employers and educational institutions block access to websites like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and Reddit. They do this to prevent staff from becoming distracted, and to ensure that employees or students cannot gain access to any content that is considered Not Safe For Work.

If you are one of those people who use Twitter to access news or even to run a professional Twitter page that you use for work, then you may find it frustrating that you cannot access your account while you are at the office. 

Even if it is lunchtime, or you have a period of downtime, you may decide you want to look at Facebook, watch a video, or maybe play an online game. Unfortunately, this may not be possible on the work’s network which means you will need to eat into your personal data on your mobile plan.

You can connect to a VPN to regain access to Facebook or any other social media site. A VPN for Facebook encrypts your data and makes you appear to be outside of the work's network. This gives you privacy and allows you to sidestep any restrictions placed on the WiFi. 

As a result, you can use a VPN to access any website or social service that has been restricted by the local network. Thanks to the privacy provided by your VPN, nobody will know that you are sidestepping the rules. Just remember that many VPNs fail to provide adequate encryption, so you must stick to our recommendations to ensure safe access to social media.

Which countries block social media?

Several countries enforce social media blocks, and many more have had periods of censorship during protests and times of political upheaval. In fact, since 2015 over 70 countries have enforced social media blocks at one time or another.

Governments in totalitarian countries know that citizens can use social media to drum up support for opposing parties. Social media can also be used to promote dissenting ideas and to spread information about government corruption. This is why social media is often blocked during elections.

Time and time again, we have seen governments around the world block social media in an effort to prevent the spread of information that could be damaging to the regime. This makes it essential for citizens to have a VPN, which is the only way to continue to communicate with friends and family if communication channels are blocked by ISPs on behalf of the government.

Below, we have included a list of countries that are known to enforce social media blocks. Bear in mind that this list is not comprehensive and that temporary blocks may be enforced in many other countries. For this reason, we recommend that you do some research regarding your own country to find out if there is any history of social media blocks. 

If you find out that your country has previously blocked Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other application or website that you need to communicate with loved ones, we recommend getting a VPN. This will give you a lifeline to those services in times of crisis.

• China: The Chinese government heavily restricts access to Western social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, in favor of domestic alternatives like WeChat, Weibo, and Tencent QQ.
• Iran: The Iranian government has periodically blocked access to popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram, during periods of civil unrest and political protests.
• North Korea: The internet is tightly controlled by the government in North Korea, and access to social media platforms is heavily restricted. Only a small number of high-ranking individuals have access to the unfiltered internet.
• Russia: Russia is known to implement internet censorship using its Yarovaya laws. This includes the blocking of social media platforms for non-compliance with data storage regulations.
• Turkey: Turkey has restricted access to social media platforms during protests, temporarily blocking services like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. 
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE has blocked several social apps that can be used to engage in video calls or free phone calls. These VoIP blocks include apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and FaceTime.
• Vietnam: The Vietnamese government has previously enforced blocks on social media posts, social media accounts, and online services that are critical of the government.
• India: The Indian government banned TikTok in June 2020, which means that you will need a VPN to use this social platform in India.
• Afghanistan: Since the takeover of the Taliban in 2021, some social media bans have been enforced. This includes the banning of TikTok, which was deemed to pose a threat due to content that is not consistent with Islamic beliefs.
• Myanmar: The military has previously enforced blocks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp to prevent citizens from expressing dissent and organizing opposition. 

How are government social media blocks enforced?

When you connect to the internet your service is provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP’s gateway server provides you with your connection to the web and they can use various types of filters to block access to specific websites and services. If the government decides to block social media, it may force ISPs to comply with social media blackouts.

When this happens, ISPs employ techniques like IP and domain filtering, DNS filtering, Deep Packet Inspection, URL Keyword filtering, and ASN blocks to block access to social media. These techniques use various methods to censor the domains and IP addresses of social media services.

DNS filtering, for example, involves blocking access to URLs associated with social media platforms. ASN (Autonomous System Number) blocks involve restricting access to entire IP address ranges in order to prevent access to social media services. Both these techniques ultimately prevent you from accessing your social accounts and mean that you can no longer communicate with friends and family.

A VPN allows you to bypass these blocking methods. By connecting to a VPN server outside of your country, you gain access to a foreign IP, and you can use the VPN as if you were a citizen living in that country. This restores your access to websites like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and anything else that has been censored by the government.

Why is my country blocking social media?

Countries block social media platforms for various reasons. This includes political, cultural, or religious motivations. In some cases, specific social pages, accounts, or entire platforms are blocked to prevent the dissemination of information critical of the government or to block posts considered a threat to the peace or that challenge cultural norms.

Unfortunately, some governments abuse traditions and religious beliefs as a pretext to enforce propaganda and restrict access to information. This enables overreaching governments to maintain tight control over the country and prevents citizens from sharing information that exposes corruption or increases support for opposition parties.