If you use the internet regularly, you probably get the message “content is not available in your country/region” or something similar when visiting some websites. There’s a 90% chance you got this message because that page, website, or content uses geo-blocking. Sometimes, you might get an error message or see “this webpage is not available” on your screen.
No matter the case, geo-blocks can be annoying and sometimes even unfair. Why should you be denied access to something publicly available? Geo-blocking is when website administrators limit access to users from specific countries.
They sometimes do it for political reasons, marketing, licensing, copyright, or stereotypes. Luckily, there’s a way to bypass geo-location blocks.
How to bypass geo-location blocks
You can bypass geo-blocks in multiple ways, including proxy servers, virtual private networks, and anonymous browsers like Tor. However, using the Tor browser means you can’t perform specific actions you need on “regular browsers.”
VPNs are effective at bypassing geo-blocks but are suitable for regular users who don’t want to perform additional actions online. For example, you can use a VPN to watch a movie or visit a geo-blocked website. Still, it’s ineffective for gathering online data or switching your IP automatically to access different regions or countries.
For example, if you use a proxy Korea server, you can access the content in that country but switch to another country’s server to access other content. That’s why we recommend using proxy servers designed to access various regions without detection.
What are web proxies?
Proxy servers, web proxies, or proxies are routers, systems, or computers that act as a gateway between the internet and users. When you visit a website, you send an HTTP request that connects you directly with that website’s server.
However, when using a proxy server, the requests go to the proxy, and the server then sends an HTTP request on your behalf. When the website’s hosting server sends the required data, it also goes through the proxy, routing it to your computer or other connected device.
In the process, the proxy hides your IP and gives you a new one while checking the data you’re getting back from web resources. These are just the essential functions, and modern web proxies come with various functionalities that improve online operations.
Benefits of using proxy servers
There are all kinds of proxies out there, and they offer various benefits. Here are some general benefits you can expect, including reliable access to geo-blocked content.
Unblocking content
Since proxy servers give you a new IP address, you can access geo-blocked content. Your IP is like your home address but on the internet. Geo-blocking works by recognizing your IP address; if your IP is from a country that a specific website has blocked, you won’t be able to access it.
Not only do proxies give you a new IP, but there are also rotating proxies that offer hundreds of different IPs you can use. If you want a proxy Korea server, just switch to that one. When accessing content in Germany, change to an IP from that country.
Data scraping
To gather data online, you must do it in an automated fashion. In other words, you should use web scrapers to quickly collect high volumes of data. However, the problem is that scraping requires switching IPs because you might get an IP block, preventing you from accessing specific content.
As mentioned earlier, web proxies can switch IPs quickly and allow you to gather all the data you need. On top of that, scrapers make many requests when accessing pages, and websites might flag and block them. With a rotating IP, these systems can’t recognize that it’s a bot going through the site.
Anonymity
One of the primary functions of web proxies is to hide your IP and replace it with another. Proxy servers have a wide range of IPs you can use from all over the world. That grants you access to all online content, helps you stay anonymous, and prevents anyone from tracking you online.
At the same time, proxies can deliver all kinds of IPs, including virtual and physical IPs that websites can’t identify as fake.
Who uses web proxies?
Individuals and organizations can use web proxies, but companies are often the primary users since proxy servers enable them to perform various actions, including:
- Brand protection –proxy servers make it difficult for someone to steal business data and let you anonymously find out what others say about your business.
- Employee internet use control – proxies can limit access to specific sites and see employee activity.
- Pricing intelligence –companies often use proxies for competitive research and pricing intelligence to stay ahead.
- Web scraping –proxy servers improve web scraping with better access and unblocking content.
- Bandwidth balancing – proxy servers can help balance internet use and limit available bandwidth for users.
Conclusion
Proxies are very effective at removing geo-blocks and helping you stay anonymous online. They are challenging to detect, and some of the latest proxy services are very simple and user-friendly. Feel free to try them to enjoy all their benefits.
