OpenVPN counters censorship

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Comments

  • Internet designed to defeat censorship

    The Internet was originally designed to deliver Military messages even during widespread nuclear bombings. It was assumed the communications networks would be the first targets. So the choice of packet based networks with multiple communications routes was selected. The messages would then have a good chance of getting through.

    Fast forward to now. The Internet uses the same basic message packet design features. When censorship is attempted the network is looks for a different way to deliver the messages. This alternative routing has become a part of the culture surrounding the Internet. Not only is the network looking for alternative routes but people are now behaving like the network. They immediately look for ways to use available network resources and software to achieve the free flow of blocked messages.

    Free and Open Source Software(FOSS) plays an important role by providing software that can be molded to new and unanticipated uses. FOSS provides the tools, in this case OpenVPN, to get the messages through the blockages.



  • Been there, done that

    I did this about 2 years ago for a client who went to live in Saudi Arabia. The government controlled ISP had blocked VOIP so they could force their own paid for VOIP on everyone.

    He connected to a UK server with OpenVPN and could use Skype fine over the tunnel.

    Cryptography is the saviour of Internet privacy.
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