How to Bypass Internet Filters Without a Proxy

Internet filters monitor and track Internet usage to moderate the type of data and websites a user accesses and downloads. Occasionally, individuals may wish to bypass Internet filters for business or personal purposes. Traditionally, filters could be bypassed using proxies that anonymized Internet traffic. Today, most Internet filters can identify the use of proxies and block such attempts.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tor software
• Mozilla Firefox browser

1. Launch the Tor software, an anonymity network developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Tor anonymizes Internet data directly from your computer without relying on third-party, external proxy servers, and is the only non-commercial software that is able to bypass Internet filters and secure your privacy. If you do not have the Internet filter bypassing software, download the Tor browser bundle kit from the Tor website (see Resources).

2. Double-click the "Tor Browser" folder, then locate the "Start Tor Browser" file and open it.

3. Wait for the Vidalia Control Panel to appear. When Tor is finished loading on your computer, it will automatically open the Mozilla Firefox browser. Begin browsing the Web. All Internet usage carried out through the Mozilla Firefox browser will be routed through Tor's anonymizing service, effectively bypassing any Internet filters without requiring a proxy.

4. Quit Tor when you are finished bypassing Internet filters. Close the Mozilla Firefox browser from which you are browsing. Tor will automatically clear your browser cache and delete your browser history for privacy purposes. Upon closing the browser, Tor will shut itself down. All Internet usage after closing Tor will not be protected and will be sent through the Internet filter.

References

• "Tor Project Router Wiki." The Tor Project.

Resources

• Download Tor filter bypassing software