Social Media Is Still Blocked, Here’s How To Still Access BUT This Too Could Be Blocked Soon

So after more than 24 hours without the internet in Zimbabwe, we have been switched back on. The blackout was directed by the government in a bid to control labour protests that have been taking place since Monday.

However, not all the internet can be accessed by everyone. WhatsApp and other social media platforms are still restricted and cannot be accessed. The advice we posted on Monday on how to still access these platforms using VPNs is still relevant.

We have been informed reliably though that there is a directive to shut down some VPNs. Most likely the VPNs on our list will be affected and you may still fail to access the sites once that directive is implemented. Don’t grow tired: Keep trying other VPNs. They can’t block all of them. Even in China VPNs still work.

What on earth is a VPN?

If you missed the article I am referring to: here is the stuff that matters:

Word of the day: VPN’s

The best thing you can do is to install a VPN and ensure that your movements (on the internet of course) are not traced back to you. You are probably wondering how a VPN will keep you safe? Well let’s talk about that briefly without getting technical. VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, allow users to securely access a private network and share data remotely through public networks. Similar to how a firewall protects your data on your computer, VPNs protect it online. VPNs are hugely popular with corporations as a means of securing sensitive data when connecting remote data centers.

Where can you get one and for which devices?

That’s the short lesson on VPNs. Now the next logical question is where can you get one? On the internet of course! You can download a VPN for your computer or phone and the advice I would give you is to download one for both all your devices that are connected to the internet.

On PC I use Proton VPN and it’s worked wonderfully for me without having to part with any money. I know everyone loves freebies so I’m just putting it out there.

Of course everyone will have their own preferences and the VPN that I think is the champion when it comes to ease of use is in-built with the Opera Browser (laptop). All you have to do is install the Opera browser. Right in the address window where users usually search on Google or enter web addresses there is a VPN button:

VPN button in Opera browser

The VPNs that you can access on your laptop for free include:

• Tunnel Bear
• Windscribe
• Hotspot Shield Free

I am yet to use any of the 3 above services but they are recommended by TechRadar and usually they are diligent reviewers.

On mobile, I will be the first one to confess! I haven’t protected myself. I’m living a VPN-free life, rather living a VPN-free life until a few minutes ago. Back in the day I used to use Tunnel Bear for mobile and because we are creatures of habits, I rushed back to familiar territory. I won’t say Tunnel Bear is the best VPN on mobile but it’s the one I’m using so of course I will recommend you to get. The setup is clear and easy to follow so all you have to do is download the app and let it show you what you need to do.

You can also check out the following VPN’s on mobile:

• Psiphon
• Turbo VPN

These are the VPNs being used in the Techzim office, and I know there are many others but that’s where you guys enter. If you know any other VPNs that run circles around the one’s we recommended then feel free to comment and enlighten us and all the readers.