Under ordinary circumstances, you simply connect to the internet using a server operated by a VPN provider located somewhere unrestricted, and ta-da! You gain uncensored access to the web.
The problem, of course, is that this VPN feature is so powerful. Consequently, entities that want to censor your internet access also try to block VPN use to maintain control.
Web Oversight
Web censorship comes in many forms and is implemented for various reasons. Common examples include:
Government censorship for political and social reasons:
Typical cases are the Great Firewall of China and government censorship in Iran. The UAE has also made headlines for criminalizing the use of VPNs to bypass its restrictions.
Government censorship for copyright reasons:
Authorities increasingly block access to websites considered to promote copyright infringement. This type of censorship is especially widespread in European countries, with the UK leading the charge. Russia has recently stepped up efforts to block access to pirated content as well.
Workplaces:
Many workplaces aim to protect employees from accessing content that may offend or disturb colleagues (think inappropriate material or sites). They also restrict access to sites likely to distract employees from work, such as social media or adult content. These restrictions are generally reasonable in a workplace setting.
Schools and Universities:
Internet access is often restricted by educational institutions. This is understandable for minors, but at universities and higher education institutions where students are adults, censorship can feel heavy-handed. The main targets are usually sites related to copyright infringement, social media, and pornography. However, political content is sometimes also restricted.
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Most guardians want to protect their children from the many dangers found online. This naturally includes a vast amount of harmful and age-inappropriate material. Censorship is a blunt instrument, though, and can backfire badly.
While it’s important to control access to such content, it’s equally important to remember you can’t shield children from the world forever. If they understand how VPNs work, it might be time to reconsider strict censorship.
A far better approach, in my opinion, is to maintain an open dialogue with your children. This helps build the moral framework, social awareness, and political understanding needed to contextualize content they encounter online.
I believe it’s better for young people to feel they can approach their parents and have honest, supportive conversations about material that troubles or challenges them when they face it online — rather than feeling the need to hide what they see. This openness gives parents a chance to provide guidance and reassurance.
The internet can be a harsh place, full of misinformation, extreme views, and harmful content. Preparing young people to think critically about what they see online, and to question sources, helps protect them more effectively than censorship alone ever could.
It’s a challenging balance to strike, but ultimately, equipping children with the skills to safely navigate the digital world will serve them far better than any block or filter.
The internet is vast, and while shielding them completely is impossible, guiding them carefully as they grow into responsible digital citizens is the best way forward.
