Survival Guide for a Censored Internet

A VPN (virtual private network) is a tool that creates an encrypted connection between your device and a server. This process conceals your online activities from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and allows you to bypass geo-restrictions. However, it does not guarantee complete anonymity, as the exit IP of a VPN can still be tracked and blocked by authorities.

In Brazil, censorship is gradually implemented through a series of steps, each accompanied by a defensive measure. A VPN is useful in the early stages of censorship, but its effectiveness diminishes as the government's capabilities expand. To enhance your online security, consider renting a cheap server outside Brazil and building your personal VPN.

This approach offers anonymity, as your IP address is unique and not listed in any public directory. Using a cloud provider like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud can further obfuscate your traffic, but blocking such providers is a simple task for censors. For a more discreet option, consider smaller providers or a virtual private server (VPS) with cryptocurrency payment to minimize traceability.

Keep in mind that using a VPN always carries the risk of the service being blocked, and relying on one alone is not sufficient to ensure complete protection against a state-level firewall.