Kashmiris dodge social media gag with secret browsers, VPN
SRINAGAR/NEWDELHI: Kashmiris are turning to freely available technology to beat a government ban on websites such as Facebook and Twitter, undermining efforts to tamp down on the spread of videos and images that, officials believe, fan tension.
“Even before the ban was announced, we knew that there are alternative ways of accessing social media. It is common knowledge here as such internet bans were implemented earlier as well,” said Kashmir University staffer Zahoor Ahmad, one of many accessing Facebook on Friday.
The alternative methods Ahmad refers to are virtual private networking (VPN) tools and encrypted messenger services such as Signal, available as open source software on the Internet.
VPN applications are gaining popularity in the Valley since the government directed service providers on Wednesday to block 22 websites and services, including popular messaging application WhatsApp.
Srinagar-based blogger Muhammad Faysal shared a list of more 12 applications that beat the ban in a tweet.
The government said the clampdown was necessary for ‘public safety’ after viral videos depicting alleged abuse of civilians by security forces sparked protests.
“Rather than banning social media sites, the authorities should ensure that large videos or pictures are not shared. A person who cannot share a video on social media in Kashmir can always seek help from somebody sitting outside Kashmir. When you use proxy applications like VPN or Signal amid restrictions, your identity will remain hidden,” said Faisal Kawoosa, principal analyst at Gurgaon-based Cyber MediaReserach.
Signal is a WhatsApp alternative, but with a heavily encrypted network that is hard to firewall by internet service providers.
Kashmir has been on the boil, with nearly 100 killed, since militant leader Burhan Wani was killed last year. Despite calls for resuming dialogue, the government has ruled out any talks with separatists. Violence spiked again this month after eight people were killed during an assembly by-election in Srinagar. A video clip showing a Kashmiri man being used as a human shield went viral soon soon after, prompting anger within the people.