Government Internet Shutdowns Cost $19.7B in 2025 1/9/26, 2:49 PM role in internet censorship in countries such as China. This technology is also widely used for throttling specific types of internet traffic, such as video streaming or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). As a result, VPNs that actually work in China rely on traffic obfuscation techniques to evade DPI-based filtering. Protocol Blocking Governments can also restrict connectivity by targeting specific network protocols or TCP/IP port numbers associated with particular services. This approach is often used to block or throttle messaging platforms, email services, or other communication tools, limiting citizens’ ability to share information. How to Bypass an Internet Shutdown You can’t bypass an internet shutdown in any conventional way. That being said, there are still countermeasures available that can reduce your isolation and help you communicate when connectivity is deliberately restricted. Social media shutdowns and content blocks are far more common forms of internet censorship, and you can often circumvent them with the right tools. EXPERT ADVICE: In some countries, certain circumvention tools like VPNs may be illegal. Always consider the legal and personal risks before using them. VPNs https://www.top10vpn.com/research/cost-of-internet-shutdowns/ Page 24 of 33