WhatsApp rival BANNED: Encrypted messaging app outlawed in Russia and Venezuela, but there is a workaround

If you're unable to access a messaging service with end-to-end encryption, like WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, in your current location, then it's possible to use a VPN to circumvent the ban

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Aaron Brown

By Aaron Brown


Published: 19/08/2024

- 14:18

Regimes in Russia and Venezuela have adopted a strict stance on encrypted messaging platforms this month, blocking millions from these popular apps

Russia and Venezuela have blocked access to Signal, one of the most trusted communication apps on the planet. Endorsed by US whistleblower Edward Snowden, Signal uses end-to-end encryption on all messages by default — making it impossible for hackers, advertisers, or governments to intercept or monitor them.

The most popular messaging service on the planet, WhatsApp, offers the same protections.

However, those who value anonymity and privacy above everything else typically still favour Signal, since WhatsApp shares some limited data — like phone numbers and profile pictures — with its parent company Meta, which also owns Facebook and Instagram.

screenshots of the signal private messaging service on android showing the different functionality of the app

Signal is a popular free messaging service to rival the likes of WhatsApp and Telegram. It's known for its strong end-to-end encryption designed to keep your communication completely private

SIGNAL PRESS OFFICE

Using end-to-end encryption to shield users' messages from prying eyes has also resulted in a ban on WhatsApp in China, North Korea, Iran, Syria, and Qatar. Those countries, like the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, restrict some features within the messaging app, like voice calls.

Likewise, authorities in Russia and Venezuela this month moved to restrict access to Signal for all citizens.

If you're planning on visiting any of these nations and need access to an encrypted messaging service, there is a workaround that grants access to these popular platforms.

The solution? You'll need to take advantage of one of the best VPN deals. These nifty applications allow you to manually change your IP address, spoofing your location across more than 100 different countries.

Latest VPN deals

By switching the IP address of your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to a VPN server located in a country where WhatsApp or Signal are not outlawed, you'll regain access to the encrypted messaging service — even if you're currently in Russia, Venezuela, China, North Korea, UAE, or anywhere else with strict rules on encryption.

How to unblock Signal or WhatsApp using a VPN

If you're unable to connect to WhatsApp or Signal, installing a VPN will let you circumvent the ban.

Here's a step-by-step guide to make sure you can get your favourite encrypted messaging service up-and-running again...

  1. Pick a VPN | If you aren't already signed up with a VPN subscription, we'd recommend NordVPN as it offers minimal impact on download speeds and VPN servers in 111 countries worldwide.
    It recently increased the maximum number of devices that can be signed in with the same login to 10 at no extra cost. All NordVPN plans come with a 30-day no-risk moneyback guarantee, which serves as a free trial
  2. Download VPN app | Next up, you'll need to download your chosen VPN app onto the device you're hoping to use to access the encrypted messaging service. If you want everything in your home to connect via a VPN, then it's possible to install the software onto a Wi-Fi router so that everything on your network is routed via a secure connection to a VPN server
  3. Connect to the right server | Once you've installed the VPN software on your Android phone, iPhone, laptop or anything else compatible with WhatsApp and Signal... then you'll need to sign-in and choose a server in a country where both of these secure messaging services are readily available
  4. Start messaging | And that's it!
    With your location spoofed to somewhere else, Signal and WhatsApp should be tricked into believing they're not blocked and all functionality will return. Continue to use these apps as normal

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