Protonmail and Proton VPN have stopped working for our colleagues based in Yangon, Myanmar, since the afternoon of May 30th. There are widespread reports on their end of multiple VPN networks not working. There are rumors of the military council imposing a ban through ISPs. Is there any reliable news/announcements regarding this? Everyone is basically in the dark right now on their end.
Thanks for flagging. We’ve flagged this to our team and we’ll see what additional measures we can implement to try and circumvent these restrictions.
Bear in mind that the Stealth protocol should still work: https://protonvpn.com/blog/stealth-vpn-protocol/
In terms of Proton Mail, using the mobile apps, which have Alternative routing implemented, should also help you connect successfully.
Please see this post for additional tips on circumventing government internet restrictions: https://www.reddit.com/r/ProtonVPN/comments/18ns64n/tips_for_how_to_get_around_the_turkish_government/
Although originally written for our Turkish userbase, the same advice should help for any country facing VPN/internet restrictions.
I recently tried ProtonVPN free package during my trip to mainland China, but it didn’t work. I was using an Apple iPhone and iPad with iOS 17. Is there any workaround?
Thank you Team! I will relay this to my Myanmar colleagues.
Hi Proton team, fyi, this is the latest update I have received from our team in Myanmar:
Myanmar Bans VPNs Under New Cybersecurity Law
On May 30, 2024, military implemented a new cybersecurity law granting them broad control over internet usage. This law restricts freedom of expression and criminalizes the use of VPNs, which many citizens relied on to access banned social media platforms.
Key Provisions of the Law
VPN Ban: Using virtual private networks (VPNs) is now a crime punishable by imprisonment for one to three years and a fine of 500,000 kyats.
Data Monitoring: Internet service providers (ISPs) must store user data for three years and provide it to authorities upon request.
Content Removal: The government has the authority to order the removal of any online content deemed inappropriate.
Concerns Regarding the Law
Critics argue that the law, while claiming to enhance cybersecurity, is a tool to suppress dissent. The government’s ability to monitor user data and restrict online content raises concerns about privacy and freedom of expression.
I travel to China frequently for work.
Only thing which works reliably in China is having a phone with a non-China SIM card. Data services on these SIM cards are not restricted (but may be tracked, use discretion or a VPN). Data roaming may be expensive so shop around for a good plan or get an esim from one of those new services like Airalo.
Corporate VPN works as well and offices in the Special Economic Zones like the one in Shanghai have unblocked Internet services.
I used astrill there in China and it worked.
I watch a lot of YouTube videos daily, so non-China SIMs might not be an option for me. I have an Ivacy VPN subscription, which works perfectly in mainland China. Ivacy VPN even has servers in China, making me wonder what kind of agreement Ivacy has with the Chinese government.
BTW: NordVPN does not work in mainland China with my iPhone/iPad.
As someone who travels to mainland China every 2 weeks or so I would recommend moving away from the ordinary VPN services and try V2ray, I’m not sure if I’m allowed to name other “vpn” providers that offer such services here or not but feel free to DM me if you needed help finding reliable ones.