How to Bypass Censorship in Russia to Unblock News & Social Media

Russia’s internet censorship has intensified in recent years, blocking access to independent news outlets like Meduza, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and even Wikipedia. If you’re in Russia and tired of seeing “Доступ ограничен” (Access Restricted) messages, a VPN is your lifeline to the open internet. Here’s how to bypass censorship using SSH Tunnel Net, a free, ad-supported VPN with servers optimized to evade Russian firewalls.

Why Russia Blocks Websites

The Russian government restricts access to:

• Independent news (e.g., Meduza, BBC Russian).

• Social media (Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter).

• Messaging apps (Telegram during protests, Signal).

A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server outside Russia, making it nearly impossible for Roskomnadzor (Russia’s censorship agency) to detect or block your activity.

Step 1: Create a Free SSH Tunnel Net Account

Before you start:

1. Visit SSH Tunnel Net and sign up for a free account (no personal info required).

2. Verify your email.

3. Log in to access servers in 3 regions:

   • Europe & Africa: https://www.ssh-tunnel.net/europe-africa/ (Recommended for Russia).

   • Asia & Oceania: https://www.ssh-tunnel.net/asia-oceania/

   • America: https://www.ssh-tunnel.net/america/

Step 2: Choose the Right Protocol

Russia’s Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology can detect and block VPNs. To bypass this, use protocols that disguise VPN traffic:

• Shadowsocks: Mimics HTTPS traffic (ideal for evading DPI).

• V2Ray: Obfuscates data to look like regular web traffic.

• WireGuard: Fast but easier to detect—use only if others fail.

Step 3: Set Up SSH Tunnel Net Manually

Since SSH Tunnel Net doesn’t provide an app, follow these steps:

For Shadowsocks (Recommended)

1. Download a Shadowsocks client:

   • Windows

   • Android

   • iOS (Requires sideloading).

2. Get server details:

   • Go to SSH Tunnel Net’s Europe & Africa page.

   • Copy the server IP, port, password, and encryption method for a Shadowsocks server.

3. Input the details into your client and connect.

For V2Ray

1. Download a V2Ray client:

   • V2RayN (Windows)

   • Shadowrocket (iOS) (Requires non-Russian App Store account).

2. Get server details:

   • From SSH Tunnel Net’s Europe & Africa page, copy the V2Ray configuration (JSON file or manual settings).

3. Import the config and connect.

Step 4: Test Your Connection

1. Visit censored website or try accessing Instagram.

2. If blocked:

   • Switch servers: Try another European server.

   • Change protocols: Use Shadowsocks if you tried V2Ray first.

Step 5: Stay Safe

• Enable “Kill Switch”: If your VPN disconnects, this blocks all internet traffic to prevent leaks.

• Use HTTPS Everywhere: Encrypts data between your browser and websites.

• Avoid Russian VPNs: Many are compromised or log user data.

Why SSH Tunnel Net Works in Russia

• Shadowsocks & V2Ray Support: These protocols bypass DPI and VPN blocks.

• No Logs Policy: We don’t store your activity, so even if pressured, we have nothing to share.

• Free & Reliable: Ads keep the service running without selling your data.

Troubleshooting

Problem: VPN connection drops frequently

• Fix: Use Shadowsocks and connect to servers in Finland or Poland (less monitored).

Problem: Slow speeds

• Fix: Try WireGuard with a server in neighboring countries (e.g., Georgia, Kazakhstan).

Problem: App stores blocked

• Fix: Use a web-based client like Outline or sideload apps via third-party stores.

Is This Legal?

Using a VPN is technically legal in Russia, but bypassing censorship to access banned content may carry risks. Always:

• Use a no-logs VPN like SSH Tunnel Net.

• Avoid discussing sensitive activities online.

FAQ

Q: Will SSH Tunnel Net work during elections or protests?
A: Yes. We rotate server IPs and update protocols to stay ahead of blocks.

Q: Can I use this for Telegram?
A: Yes. Connect to SSH Tunnel Net, then open Telegram normally.

Q: What if I can’t access SSH Tunnel Net’s website?
A: Use a mirror site or email us at [email protected] for updated links.

Final Tips

• Bookmark Server Pages:

  • Europe & Africa

  • Asia & Oceania

  • America

• Stay Updated: Follow SSH Tunnel Net on Telegram (via VPN) for server updates.

Need a censorship-free internet?
👉 Sign Up for SSH Tunnel Net (Free, no Russian phone number required.)

P.S. If you value free speech, share this guide with friends—but only through encrypted apps like Signal or Telegram. 🛡️

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