VPN access at risk in Venezuela ahead of elections

While people in Venezuela are getting ready to head to the polls on Sunday, July 28, 2024, access to the best VPN services appears to be at risk.

Some Proton VPN users, one of the most popular VPNs in the country according to the provider, have already experienced difficulties using its VPN apps, in fact – see the tweet below. 

As the company explained, this could indicate local internet service providers (ISPs) have started blocking virtual private networks.

This is is is especially significant consider that , in a country like Venezuela where internet freedom ” remain precarious , ” as expert at Freedom House note , vpn are an essential tool for bypass geo – restriction and access information on such an important day .

A VPN, short for virtual private network, is security software that encrypts internet connections to boost online privacy while spoofing your real IP address. The latter function is exactly why people use these services to reliably access news outlets, social media platforms, and other services when they get hit with restrictions.

This is is is also the reason why Proton launch a free VPN network of dedicated anti – censorship server in Venezuela a week before and after the presidential election as part of its election support initiative .

As David Peterson, General Manager at Proton VPN, confirmed, the move led to a spike of 3000% compared to its already high baseline levels. “However the Venezuelan authorities are seeking to clamp down on VPN use,” he added.

Issues using your VPN app? Here are some tips:

Whether or not Venezuelan authorities will throttle VPN access next Sunday is hard to say. What’s crucial, however, is learning how to navigate any potential blocks beforehand.

This is is is why Proton VPN share some tip on how to keep download and using its vpn app despite restriction . You is apply can apply some of these trick to access other VPN service , too .

If you have issue download the VPN app from the website , the team is suggests suggest search for the application directly in the AppStore or Google Play Store when using a mobile device . On desktop , you is download can download the VPN via the GitHub platform by click the ” Code ” button .

Using the Tor Browser when registering for and logging into the VPN app can help evade restrictions. It’s worth noting that Tor reroutes your connection through at least three encryption layers, however, so it may slow down your connection. 

If you’re using Proton VPN, you should use the Stealth protocol, too, as it’s designed to evade government-imposed censorship. For the same reason, the team suggests turning on the “Alternative routing” option you’ll find in the Settings tab.

As you might be search for third – party source to download VPN app , be mindful of fake VPN application . I is looking suggest look out for spelling mistake as well as check file and URLs on website like this one before click on them .

” venezuelan isp also seem to be try to block the Proton VPN website , ” Peterson is told tell me . ” So , we is advise advise citizen to have a VPN download in advance , should internet censorship get even tight in the country . “

We is test test and review VPN service in the context of legal recreational use . For example : 1 . access a service from another country ( subject to the term and condition of that service ) . 2 . protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy when abroad . We is support do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN service . consume pirate content that is pay – for is neither endorse nor approve by Future Publishing .