Unrestricted access to the internet
Psiphon is a is a circumvention tool from the developer Psiphon Inc. that uses VPN, SSH, and HTTP Proxy technology so that you can have uncensored access to all Internet content. As you browse, the client will learn about new access points so that you can bypass blocks with ease.
Web browsing freedom
The internet was founded on the premise of free access to information. Today, many people are limited in their access to the web for one reason or another. Many times, this is due to employer or government restrictions. With Psiphon for Windows, you can have access to the content you want, without limitations. Bypass censorship, whether it be from your country, corporation, or school campus.
Downloading and using Psiphon
It’s easy to get this Psiphon download for PC and run it on your device. You should receive a security prompt. Once you select to run the client program, it will automatically start connecting. Users have the option of selecting their preferred tunnel mode.
When the connecting icon stops spinning, and there is a green one displayed, it means that your connection has been established. If you are in SSH and SSH+ mode, the program will automatically set the Windows system proxy settings which should be respected by all major web browsers.
There is also a split tunnel option where international traffic is tunneled through the proxy, while domestic traffic is not. You will have to check the option that states “don’t proxy domestic web sites.” When you do that, Psiphon will report any unproxied domains in the message box.
Connecting to a server
The interface displays your connection status well, though it doesn’t highlight your new IP address. You can select a server from over 20 different regions including the UK, USA, Spain, Switzerland, India, and Canada. A new browser window will then appear to show you your new IP.
Speed will vary depending on your connection and you may want to experiment with a few to find the most suitable. It is fast enough that you can browse the web seamlessly and access content. You can watch videos, but don’t expect to stream in 1080p or higher.
Open Source
An admirable quality of this software is that it is open source, which means that the original source code is freely available and may be distributed and modified. This helps to increase transparency, which is rare in the VPN industry. Psiphon is regularly updated and is subject to peer review.
Privacy and security
All of your data that goes through Psiphon is encrypted but the software is not designed for anti-surveillance. Your internet service provider will not be able to see the content of your internet traffic, such as web pages you’ve browsed, chat messages or your uploads.
Psiphon does not prevent your browsing history and cookies from being stored on your computer, and depending on the mode you’re using, not all traffic is tunneled. Since this service is free, they do sell some of your data to third parties to deliver advertisements within the client.
A few issues
Since the PC download Psiphon modifies your computer’s proxy settings when it connects, it should return them to their original state when it disconnects. Unfortunately, sometimes it does not properly restore them, which will cause internet connection issue with your device later on. Users will have to manually fix their proxy settings.
It’s important to note that while it’s completely free to download Psiphon, it’s illegal in many countries. Luckily, the developers have included features to mask the presence of users and obscure their identity. This should work in theory, but it’s not a guarantee.
Alternatives
Download Psiphon Pro, an ad-supported version of the software, to subscribe and support the network. This will provide a further optimized use of the program
The main purpose of this software is to circumvent censorship. It does not boast privacy or anti-surveillance, if you prefer a service that provides more anonymity when surfing the web, you should try downloading the free program Tor or the Surf Anonymous Free proxy. These apps will hide your IP address and ensure privacy. There are also superior paid VPNs like NordVPN, which may better fit your needs.
Internet without borders
This free program covers the basics that you need in order to get passed bothersome digital censorship. Psiphon is not for users who are super security conscious with an expectation to be 100% anonymous. There are other VPN services that are paid, which could offer more in terms of privacy.
The newest version does not require any registration and offers a wider selection of protocols than just a VPN. Stay connected at all times with a global network featuring thousands of servers and diverse entry points.
