Access to Medya News has been blocked in Turkey, but users may still be able to access the latest reliable and independent news using a variety of means.
On 1 November, readers from Turkey reported that they could no longer access Medya News from normal channels. While no official statements have been made, it is likely that access has been blocked according to censorship bans that allow authorities to swiftly block access to websites during the investigation phase of alleged infractions.
However, as internet users in Turkey are well aware, there are various ways to get around the country’s stringent and often arbitrary censorship.
VPN
One of the most popular ways for users around the world to bypass restrictions and protect their privacy is the use of a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. This system encrypts user’s communications and sends them through a secure tunnel to a server in another network, hiding your IP address and location. This allows users to access the web as if they were located in a different territory where bans are not in place.
Prospective VPN users should carefully research a trusted VPN service that works in their country, as some free and paid VPNs are known to contain malware or to exploit users’ data for unscrupulous purposes.
Tor
The Tor browser creates a network of virtual tunnels that allows users to mask their personal information and access the internet anonymously. Tor has become known for its association with the unregulated “Dark Web”, but it is also safe and relatively easy to use for readers who simply want to access news and other sites that may be blocked in their home countries. Simply download the Tor browser from the Tor project’s website or by sending a blank email to [email protected], and use the service to visit trusted sites.
Psiphon
Psiphon is another app that is regularly used to overcome restrictions in heavily censored countries. This free, open-source internet censorship circumvention tool acts as a proxy, allowing users in heavily restricted countries to access the internet through a host computer in a freer country. Psiphon can be accessed by sending a blank email to [email protected].
