Social media has been responsible for the spread of political misinformation, wreaking havoc on lives and elections worldwide. But the suppression of social media is also dangerous, as it’s often the sign of a repressive government.
VPN company Surfshark has released interactive trackers to see which countries have limited access to social media for their citizens. The latest reported cases have occurred in Cuba, Tanzania, Azerbaijan, and Algeria. Most of these instances have been in response to elections, protests, and other political actions, except in Algeria, where authorities sought to stop students from cheating after a leak of exams.
With a rate of one in three countries having blocked social media at some point in the past five years, the use of VPNs has been crucial as a way for people to receive information: VPNs can let you spoof your location, so it appears you’re logging in from another country without such restrictions.
Even if you don’t live in a country that restricts your access to the internet, a VPN is an invaluable tool to help protect your privacy. Use PCMag’s guide to find the one that’s right for you.
