Government Internet Shutdowns Cost $7.69B in 2024 1/24/25, 11:17 AM As a result, VPNs that actually work in China have to use technology like traffic obfuscation to bypass DPI. Protocol Blocking Targeting specific protocols, such as TCP/IP port number is another method for blocking or throttling certain apps associated with known TCP/IP ports. Governments can use this method to target instant messaging services or email for example to prevent citizens from communicating. How to Bypass An Internet Shutdown It’s not possible to bypass a full internet blackout and actually get online in any normal way, however there are still countermeasures available to avoid becoming completely isolated. Fortunately social media shutdowns and other online content blocks are far more common forms of internet censorship and can be circumvented using the right tools. EXPERT TIP: In some countries, some of these tools might be outlawed, so it’s important to weigh up any legal risk before proceeding. VPNs A VPN works by encrypting a user’s internet connection and changing their IP address. Unless an ISP is able to block every single IP address used by a VPN service or identify VPN traffic and block it, then a VPN will allow a user to easily access sites and apps blocked using IP and DNS filtering. https://www.top10vpn.com/research/cost-of-internet-shutdowns/ Page 19 of 28