Telegram is one of the many cloud-based instant messaging services, created by a team of Russian engineers who chose Dubai as the location of their headquarters for regulatory reasons. When asked what the main reason is for going with this app, users usually refer to the end-to-end encryption available on the so-called Secret Chat. This unique feature provides encrypted keys that are automatically destroyed over time, thus preventing man-in-the-middle attackers.
However, the app’s security protocol still raises some eyebrows, which is not helped by the fact that no competent authority has proven its reliability yet. In fact, security, the very thing stressed by the company, was one of the main reasons that led to the blocking of the app in certain countries. And to pour more salt to the wound, Telegram is most likely to face yet more blocks and bans in a near future, too.
Luckily, users still can get around these nonsensical blocks and come out on top regardless of their physical location. And all that needs to be done is opting for another service keen on encrypting connections: a VPN.
The first country to ban Telegram was Iran back in 2015: the reason why restrictions against the app entered into effect is that users shared satirical comments targeting the Iranian government. In fact, the ‘vendetta’ against Telegram went so far that by May 2017 the entire service was completely blocked within the borders of Iran. Shortly after the Iranian ban on Telegram was announced, other countries followed as well: Bahrain, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and China also declared war against the app.
Not surprisingly, all of the above countries had political motivations behind the decision, particularly China. In fact, Beijing banned the app following a Chinese newspaper article that ‘exposed’ human rights lawyers using the service to criticize the government and the ruling communist party. However – and thankfully – not all bans proved to be that powerful: some countries lifted bans entirely (e.g. Indonesia), while in other places it remains just partially blocked by some ISPs.
It’s not hard to guess why countries with repressive regimes ban apps like Telegram: by using strong end-to-end encryption, it becomes virtually impossible for governments to monitor their citizens on that platform.
Strong encryption can indeed be useful, but there were some unexpected consequences, the most terrifying of which is that the terrorist group ISIS started using Telegram. The company immediately blocked dozens of public channels operated by ISIS in November 2015, but it proved to be too late: the terrorists carried out their deadly attacks in Paris that, according to a statement by CNN, were planned using Telegram. Although this was just a coincidence, the incident was more than enough for Russian communications regulator Roscomnadzor to announce that the country would likely block the app, too.
Fortunately, a VPN can easily get around geographical blocks on Telegram in all countries – with the exception of China that continues its relentless battle against VPN services.
Although Telegram is available for computers and mobile devices, most users install it on the latter, meaning that you should look for a VPN suitable for mobile devices. Luckily, finding such a service is not hard at all, since many VPN companies already created their own native apps for devices running iOS, Android or even Windows Phone. Most of these apps look and work exactly like the desktop clients, which is a huge help since everything works in the same way as it does on a computer.
Telegram users living in or visiting countries affected by the blocks can enjoy the messaging app without restrictions by simply launching the VPN application, choosing a place where Telegram is not blocked and connecting to the selected server. VPNs are also quite useful when accessing a public Wi-Fi network: thanks to the encrypted connections VPN apps prevent your online sessions from being visible to other users in the same network. In simpler words, no one would be able to snoop on the chats you have on Telegram. Not to mention, public networks are a melting pot of hackers and other kind of attackers waiting for the right occasion to steal your credit card information or email password, so a VPN app is a must to effectively keep these wrongdoers out.
IPVanish made a strong entrance as a VPN service provider in 2012, long before VPNs became so common, and it’s been further improving its service ever since. Fundamentally, this solution specializes in providing customers with secure and encrypted internet connections across all devices.
Offering customers an impressive 2,200 servers worldwide to choose from, IPVanish is both comprehensive and reliable. It’s also one of the few VPN providers that manage a big portion of its infrastructure in-house, owning 80% of its servers and only using self-developed software for its service. This reduces the company’s reliance on third parties, making it an even more trustworthy option.
As one of the strongest VPNs on the market, IPVanish also boasts a vast range of features that not only provide faster speeds but also permit a custom encryption level and all other elements of a VPN connection. With prices starting as low as $2.99 per month, users certainly get a lot for their money.
NordVPN has already managed to conquer the market by being one of the most reputable and trustworthy services ever made. Among its vast arsenal of features, the close attention given to security is one of the major highlights, thanks to the presence of an automatic kill switch, protection against DNS leaks, ads and malware, and even double VPN servers.
Speaking of which, these are only some of NordVPN’s special servers that compose a global network filled with unusual locations, P2P countries, support for Onion over VPN, and more. NordVPN has a handful of different subscriptions in the form of simple apps for all kinds of devices and user types.
For as little as $3.99 per month, users can enjoy all the perks of having a secure and high-speed VPN. Plus, a generous refund policy allows you to get your money back if you decide NordVPN isn’t for you during the first 30 days.
With an extensive server network spanning 105 countries, apps for all major platforms, and even extra security tools like an ad blocker, ExpressVPN delivers all you need for a private and secure online experience.
The software is easy to use across all devices, and the speed trumps many of its competitors, making it one of the fastest VPNs on the market. Android and iOS customers can make the most of a 7-day free trial with unlimited bandwidth and everyone can enjoy three months for free when opting for annual billing.
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