Snapchat, the popular photo and video sharing app, is not so popular in some parts of the world. Due to cultural differences, political and financial interest or just plain ignorance, the application is blocked or restricted in several areas. The same goes for local organizations that feel threatened by people living social life on the internet. Simply adding Snapchat to a blacklist places it on hold for anyone trying to use it, even with public Wi-Fi connections. This article is about discussing details on the above, as well as shedding light on VPN services, the most effective (and safest) solution that bypasses restrictions altogether.
Snapchat is most often treated internationally as a social networking platform. This is important to state as some countries have laws that refer to these collectively as well when enforcing bans or restrictions upon them. Therefore, Snapchat roughly falls into the same category as Facebook or Twitter. The application is banned or restricted in the following countries: Iran, China, North Korea and Turkey. Interestingly enough, the otherwise strict Middle East is more lenient towards Snapchat. The Saudi Arabian youth for example are outright embracers of the app. At the same time, VoIP services are heavily banned in the area. In our opinion the reason for this is that video content can deliver a potentially unwanted message much more explicitly than a still picture. Countries that block VoIP but not Snapchat most likely consider this option (and also the financial gain).
So far we mentioned country-wide regulation, but localized blocks are also likely to happen in our experience. Snapchat – as its name suggests – is full of photographic content. Office buildings, restaurants or any place with public Wi-Fi might not favor unwelcomed snaps and the chatter afterwards. Since you could be prevented from using Snapchat altogether occasionally, we suggest that you inform yourself about Virtual Private Networks below and also on VPN companies you grow to like.
Setting up a VPN connection is a simple task, regardless of the device you use. In most cases, you are provided a VPN app that will do it for you. The process itself involves the temporary change of your IP address to one that you select. The addresses point to countries. So for example if Snapchat is blocked locally, you can connect to the internet with the IP address of the country you reside in or one that does not block it at all. Through that secure network you will be able to use it without any hindrance.
It is worth noting that some VPN companies do not have their own software for iOS or Android, although the recommended VPN solutions for Snapchat below do. In these exceptional cases, you are provided instructions for manual setup, which is a no-brainer as well. Nevertheless, if you end up fancying another group, inform yourself thoroughly.
To ensure safety, all VPN connections are protected by encryptions. In the case of mobile devices, they have some hardware limitations, since they are designed to fit in your hand, as opposed to a whole desk, for example. Also, encryptions slow down your internet speeds a tad bit in exchange for the safety they provide. Therefore we suggest using the L2TP type encryption primarily and only opt for the more taxing OpenVPN if your device has the latest hardware.
As an illustration, we would like to present three VPN companies that are excellent at unblocking Snapchat, regardless of a local or country-wide restriction.
Best Reviews may receive compensation for its content through paid collaborations and/or affiliate links. Learn more about how we sustain our work and review products.
©2012-2024 Best Reviews, a clovio brand –
All rights
reserved
Privacy
policy
·
Cookie
policy
·
Terms
of use
·
Partnerships
· Contact
us