Egypt Protests: VPN, HootSuite Used To Circumvent Internet Ban

by NowPublic Staff | January 28, 2011 at 04:00 pm

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Apparently, protesters in Egypt are managing to circumvent the government's internet ban by using proxy servers and third-party applications like TweetDeck and HootSuite.

Authorities in Egypt blocked internet access due to protests that have spread throughout the country. Web-savvy protesters in Egypt have managed to use a few tricks to continue to spread their message.

Sites like Facebook and Twitter have been blocked in Egypt. Protesters have managed to use these social media sites through third-party apps like TweetDeck and HootSuite.

According to Vancouver-based company, the number of Egyptians who have signed up for HootSuite has increased sevenfold in the last month.

Egypt Internet Down

Free proxy software such as Hotspot Shield or Tor are also being used. Users can browse the web anonymously after downloading the software.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is another method being used which masks the country from where the original connection is being made

The use of these technologies have allowed Egyptian internet users to get their message across. Photos and messages are making their way out of Egypt.

This Twitpic image of Egypt protesters praying as they are being hit by water canon is one of the most striking photos to have come out of the Egypt protests.