Can VPN be blocked and how do VPN providers resist blocking?

VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that establishes a secure connection between your device and the internet. VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for data transmission, making your online activities more secure and anonymous.

What VPN is used for

1. Privacy Protection. VPN helps hide your online activities from providers, hackers, and government authorities. This is especially important if you are concerned about surveillance and the theft of your personal data.

2. Secure Access to the Internet in Public Networks. VPN secures your connection, allowing you to safely use almost any Wi-Fi networks without fear.

3. Bypassing Geographic Restrictions. Some services and websites may be unavailable in your country. VPN allows you to change your location by connecting to servers in other countries, thus providing access to content that was previously blocked.

4. Secure Data Transfers. VPN is useful for companies handling confidential information. VPN encrypts data sent between employees and offices, especially if they are working remotely.

5. Opposition to Internet Censorship. In countries with strict internet censorship, VPN provides access to resources that may be unavailable.

Why VPN Services Want to be Blocked

1. Censorship. In many countries, governments impose strict control over internet content. This may involve:

• Political Information. Governments seeking to control information may block access to news sites, independent media, and other resources that represent different viewpoints.
• Social Networks. In some cases, platforms may be blocked to prevent the spread of information considered undesirable by governments.

VPN allows users to bypass such restrictions, making it a target for governments seeking to maintain control over information.

2. Copyright Protection. Companies and organizations that protect copyrights may also oppose VPN services. This is because with VPN, users can:

• Hide their activity while downloading or distributing copyrighted content (e.g., movies, music, and software). This is particularly relevant in Europe.
• Use workarounds to access content that may not be legally available in their region.

Thus, blocking VPNs becomes part of efforts to combat piracy and protect intellectual property rights.

3. Private Restrictions. In some cases, VPN services are blocked in institutions such as:

• Schools and Universities. Educational institutions may disable VPN access to control student internet activity and prevent access to inappropriate content during study time. This may also apply to resources unsuitable for educational purposes.
• Employers. Companies may restrict VPN access to prevent information leaks, control employee activity, and limit access to unauthorized websites.

Blocking VPN services in these contexts serves to ensure security and compliance with internal policies.

Who Initiates VPN Block Requests?

1. Governments. Many governments seek to control access to information and limit freedom of speech. Here are a few countries where blocking VPN services is a common practice:

• China. The Chinese authorities actively combat VPN use to control access to internet content. The country has the "Great Firewall of China," which blocks many foreign websites and resources.

• Iran. Here, the government also imposes strict internet control and blocks access to foreign resources, especially those that may contradict its policies.

• India, Russia, Syria, Pakistan, Turkey. In these countries, the government initiates VPN block requests to control information and prevent social instability. For example, in Russia, the government requests VPN blocking to protect copyright and control the information available to citizens.

2. Corporations and Organizations. Some companies, especially content producers or service providers, may initiate requests to block VPNs. This is done to:

• Protect their Content. Streaming companies like Netflix or Hulu want to prevent VPN use for bypassing territorial restrictions, so users cannot access content not meant for their region.

• Control Access. Corporations may block VPNs in corporate networks to protect their intellectual property and prevent data leaks.

• Financial Institutions. Banks and other financial entities may block VPNs to protect their systems from potential fraudulent activities. This is done to prevent data loss risks and ensure customer security.

How VPN Blocking Happens

1. Blocking IP Addresses. When users connect to a VPN, their internet traffic passes through servers with unique IP addresses. Blocking IP addresses is the most common method:

How it works? If a certain IP address is known to belong to a VPN server, internet service providers (ISPs) or government authorities can add this IP to a blacklist. This means that users trying to connect to this IP will encounter access errors.

Impact on users Users trying to connect to a blocked VPN IP will not be able to access the internet through that server. This may require searching for other VPN IP addresses, which can sometimes be a real hassle.

2. Blocking Ports. Some VPNs use specific ports to connect. Blocking these ports can effectively hinder VPN connections:

How it works? Internet providers can monitor traffic passing through well-known VPN ports and simply close access to them. For example, ports 1194 (OpenVPN) or 443 (the standard HTTPS port) can be blocked.

Impact on users This can cause connection problems with VPNs. Users may have to find alternative ports or even VPNs that use non-standard ports to bypass the block.

3. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). DPI is a more complex method that allows internet service providers and government authorities to analyze data transmitted over the internet:

How it works? DPI allows tracking not only addresses and ports but also the contents of the transmitted data. In this case, algorithms can identify signs of VPN use (such as special headers or encryption) and block the corresponding traffic.

Impact on users Using DPI can significantly complicate the work of VPN systems and reduce their effectiveness. This creates risks for users, as some of their internet activities might be incorrectly identified and blocked.

Methods for Bypassing VPN Blocks

When it comes to VPN blocks, there are various methods that users can use to access blocked resources. Here are the main ways to bypass blocks:

1. Switching VPN Servers. The first and easiest method is to switch to another server. Zama VPN has many servers in different countries. If one server is blocked, you can simply connect to another one that still works. This allows you to stay anonymous and continue using the internet.

2. Using Obfuscated Servers. Some VPNs offer features that hide the fact you are using a VPN. These obfuscated servers make the traffic look like regular internet traffic, making it harder to detect and block. This is a good way to bypass restrictions imposed by ISPs.

3. Getting a Dedicated IP Address. Using a dedicated IP address allows you to avoid some blocking issues, as one IP address is not used by multiple users. This can reduce the likelihood of the IP being associated with "suspicious" activity.

4. Changing Protocol, Encryption, or Port. There are many protocols and encryption methods you can use with a VPN. Try changing the protocol or encryption to create a new type of connection that may be less prone to blocking. Also, working with non-standard ports can help avoid blocks.

5. Manually Setting Up VPN and Configuration. This method may be more complicated, but with proper setup, it allows you to bypass blocks while maintaining control over the connection. If you know how to configure a VPN manually, you can optimize the setup for the best results.

6. Connecting via Mobile Network. Sometimes it's easier to connect to the internet through a mobile network rather than Wi-Fi. This can bypass restrictions set on local networks (e.g., public Wi-Fi), as your mobile internet is usually not subject to the same level of control.

Why Choose Zama VPN?

Zama VPN offers a modern and reliable service that helps bypass blocks with minimal effort. We provide:

• Multiple Servers. We have a large number of servers in various countries, allowing you to easily switch between them and find available options.
• Obfuscated Servers. This means you can stay anonymous without worrying about your internet traffic being detected and blocked.
• Dedicated IP Addresses. This option ensures a stable connection, reducing the risk of blocks.
• Flexible Settings. You can adapt our service to your needs by switching protocols and ports depending on the situation. With Zama VPN, you can be sure you will safely and anonymously access the internet, even under strict block conditions. Our technologies and support will help you maintain privacy and freedom online.