How to Unblock Facebook at School or Work

Facebook is the vanilla social media app, and everyone from your aunt to your grade school classmates is on it.

An incredible amount of useful content lives on the platform. Thus, it can be frustrating when your place of work or school decides to block access to it.

Before diving into how you can unblock Facebook, let’s look at the app’s astounding prominence and staying power (which commonly puts it at the top of the list of apps to block), why it could be blocked, and the countries that block Facebook right out of the gate.

The App that Keeps Going and Going

Facebook has remained one of the most popular social media platforms in the world since its launch in 2004.

Despite changing digital trends and the rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Facebook continues to be a central hub for staying connected with friends, sharing updates, joining communities, and discovering news.

Yet, many schools and workplaces block access to Facebook, limiting how and when users can engage with the platform.

Why Is Facebook Blocked at School or Work?

Institutions often block Facebook to minimize distractions, improve productivity, and maintain control over network usage. Schools may restrict access to ensure students stay focused on academic content, while employers do so to keep employees on task during working hours.

Network administrators typically block Facebook using firewalls or DNS filtering. These tools detect and deny traffic to specific domains. In this case, facebook.com and its related services are added to a list of domains to block on the local network. More advanced systems may even inspect encrypted traffic to detect Facebook usage via HTTPS.

Countries That Block Facebook

While many people only encounter restrictions in institutional settings, there are countries where Facebook is blocked entirely due to government censorship. For example:

China: Facebook has been blocked since 2009.
North Korea: All social media platforms, including Facebook, are banned for most citizens.
Iran: Facebook is restricted due to content control and political reasons.

In such cases, a more robust workaround is necessary to access the platform. In short, VPNs are commonly used to unblock Facebook, but not all of them work reliably in China, North Korea, and Iran.

How to Use a VPN to Unblock Facebook

Regaining access to Facebook is primarily about using the right tool.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective tools to bypass restrictions. It encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, masking your location and allowing you to access blocked content.

Follow these steps to use a VPN and unblock Facebook:

Choose a VPN Service: Look for a reputable VPN provider that values privacy, has strong encryption, and offers fast speeds. Recommendations are in the next subheading in this article.
Install the VPN App: Download the VPN app from the official website or app store for your device (Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS).
Log In to Your VPN Account: Open the app and sign in using your VPN credentials.
Choose a Server Location: Select a server in a country or region where Facebook is not blocked, such as the United States or Toronto, Canada.
Switch Locations by Switching Servers: If one server is slow or still blocked, try another until you find a smooth connection.
Launch Facebook: Open your browser or the Facebook app. You should now be able to access the platform without restrictions.

Tips for Choosing the Best VPN for Facebook

Thinking about getting a VPN, but don’t know what to look for? Just about any VPN can unblock Facebook in most countries. However, for the best experience, here are some things to look for:

No-logs Policy: Ensure the VPN doesn’t store data about your browsing activity.
Fast Speeds: Since social media involves images, videos, and live content, choose a VPN with minimal speed loss.
Strong Encryption: Look for 256-bit AES encryption and secure protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
Wide Server Network: More servers mean more options to bypass blocks.
Device Compatibility: Make sure the VPN works on all your devices, including phones, tablets, and computers.

Now, if you’re ready to start looking at specific services, I’ve got you.

Here are LetMeBy’s recommended VPNs for unblocking Facebook:

Conclusion

Facebook’s global presence makes it a key platform for personal and professional communication, but it’s often restricted in schools, workplaces, or in certain countries. These blocks are typically implemented to reduce distractions or enforce regulations.

At times, content on Facebook can really save the day and help you complete your tasks. So, contrary to the belief of some, it isn’t just a productivity killer.

By using a VPN, you can safely and effectively bypass these restrictions. Simply choose a reliable service, use their VPN app, and you’re good to go. With the right tools and knowledge, regaining access to Facebook is straightforward and secure.

The Best Social Media Apps for Privacy

In an age where nearly every click, like, and message is tracked, the call for private and secure social media platforms is louder than ever. With major platforms frequently making headlines for data breaches, invasive ad tracking, or mishandled user data, more users are seeking alternatives that prioritize privacy.

You probably don’t want to give up your Instagram, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter) accounts because other apps have better approaches to privacy. However, you may want to branch out and put more time into platforms that aren’t primarily in the business of collecting data and using it to entice people to buy stuff.

This article explores the best social media apps that offer strong privacy features and the pros and cons of using them. Plus, you’ll learn how you can take control of your data online.

The Rise of Privacy-Focused Platforms

Privacy-first social media platforms have emerged in response to growing concerns about surveillance capitalism and the commodification of personal information. These apps typically avoid collecting user data, offer end-to-end encryption, and avoid algorithm-driven engagement models.

Advantages:

Minimal Data Collection: Many of these apps collect little to no personal information.
End-to-End Encryption: Ensures that only the intended recipients can view messages or posts.
No Ads or Tracking: Users aren’t tracked for advertising purposes.
Open-Source Codebases: Some platforms allow public auditing for transparency.

Disadvantages:

Smaller User Base: Fewer people use these platforms, limiting how many people you can connect with and reach.
Limited Features: They may lack advanced functionality common on major networks.
Monetization Challenges: Without ad revenue, some platforms rely on donations or subscriptions. Creators looking for apps with revenue sharing will need to stick with the biggest players, such as YouTube and Instagram.

The Best Apps for Online Privacy

1. Reddit

Why it’s a top choice: Reddit is a well-established and trusted haven for people interested in sharing their unfiltered opinions. It’s geared towards anonymous discussions, as users only have a username associated with their account and no profile picture.

Privacy features: Browse anonymously, control location customization, manage email preferences, and filter content based on age or content type.

Best for: Discussions about special interests and niche interests (such as specific video games) with people with a wide breadth of knowledge and experience.

2. Snapchat

Why it’s a top choice: The entire concept of Snapchat is based around privacy: content that’s viewable for 24 hours. The app’s disappearing messages and screenshot notifications make it less likely that data is collected or misused by others.

Privacy features: Control who can contact you, view your story, see your location, and use your Cameos selfie. Use “Ghost Mode” to hide your location on the Snap Map.

Best for: People who have posted stories and multimedia content on Instagram and are seeking an alternative that has a healthy user base.

3. Signal

Why it’s a top choice: Originally known for secure messaging, Signal has expanded into sharing media and group communication. It’s all protected with end-to-end encryption.

Privacy features: No metadata collection, disappearing messages, open-source protocol.

Best for: Secure communication, activism, and private group chats.

4. Mastodon

Why it’s a top choice: A decentralized social network where users join independently run servers.

Privacy features: No central authority, customizable privacy settings, moderation at the community level.

Best for: Users who want a Twitter-like experience without centralized tracking.

5. MeWe

Why it’s a top choice: Marketed as the “anti-Facebook,” MeWe doesn’t track users or serve ads.

Privacy features: No data mining, end-to-end encrypted chats, no algorithmic feeds.

Best for: Facebook-style networking without the privacy concerns.

6. Minds

Why it’s a top choice: An open-source platform offering blockchain-based incentives and user control.

Privacy features: Encrypted messaging, content monetization without surveillance, transparency.

Best for: Creators, thinkers, and privacy-conscious users who want to earn rewards.

7. Element (Matrix)

Why it’s a top choice: A secure collaboration app built on the Matrix protocol. It gives users maximum ownership and control as it can be self-hosted.

Privacy features: End-to-end encrypted messaging and video, open-source, decentralized hosting.

Best for: Teams or individuals who want a Slack-like experience with more emphasis on security.

Why Online Privacy Matters on Social Media

Social media platforms gather vast amounts of personal data.

Everything from your location, behavior, and relationships is stored. Typically, the data is used for targeted advertising or shared with third parties. This comes at the cost of user autonomy and can have serious implications in terms of surveillance, identity theft, or manipulation.

Key reasons privacy matters:

Protecting personal identity and information
Preventing data misuse or breaches
Maintaining freedom of expression
Avoiding manipulation via targeted content

How to Improve Your Online Privacy

Many people use social media to reach as wide an audience as possible. And at the end of the day, it’s about staying connected with friends, family, and coworkers.

Thus, it’s understandable that many people want to stick with the apps with the most users and are considering widening their horizons with privacy-focused platforms.

If you continue using mainstream platforms, here are steps to safeguard your privacy:

Review privacy settings: Customize who can see your posts and profile information.
Limit third-party app access: Disconnect unused apps linked to your social accounts.
Use strong, unique passwords: Be sure to enable two-factor authentication as well.
Be mindful of what you share: Especially personal identifiers like location or workplace.
Use a VPN: To mask your IP and browsing activity from trackers. View the top VPNs recommended by LetMeBy here.

Choosing a New Social Media App

It’s easy to get caught up in the details when considering which privacy-focused social media platform is best tailored to your purposes.

Start by comparing the fundamentals of online privacy, which apply to all apps.

When exploring alternatives, ask yourself:

Does the app collect or sell user data?
Is encryption used, and if so, is it end-to-end?
Is the app open source or independently audited?
Who owns and operates the platform?

When to Consider Switching Apps

Many grew up with apps such as Facebook, but sometimes you need to get rid of the old to make room for the new. Switching apps rather than simply adding newer apps grants you the next level of focus and efficiency.

Privacy is just a part of what makes a social media app better than the rest. That being said, you might consider switching when:

A current platform experiences a major data breach.
You notice increased tracking or unwanted targeted ads.
You want more control over your content and interactions.
You’re uncomfortable with how your data is being used or shared.

Conclusion

The mainstream apps many of us use every day have many strengths, but giving you the ability to maintain strong online privacy isn’t one of them.

The good news is that the amount of choice out there in terms of privacy-focused platforms is nothing short of incredible. The bad news is that any social media app is only as good as its user base, and the apps with the best privacy are growing but still far behind behemoths like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Should You Use a VPN in Battlefield?

There’s nothing like the rush from a good round of Battlefield, but as the song by Poison taught us, every rose has its thorn. After encounters with cheaters aka hackers that are inevitably a part of the multiplayer experience, gamers are finding ways to protect their online privacy.

As EA can only do so much to keep threats at bay, it pays to be proactive about safe gaming practices, find solutions yourself, and experiment.

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) while playing Battlefield titles like Battlefield 1, Battlefield 5, and Battlefield 2042 can offer both advantages and potential roadblocks. Savvy players fire up their VPNs to reduce latency, access region-locked servers, or enhance online privacy. However, it’s essential to understand Electronic Arts’ (EA) stance on VPN usage, the experiences of other gamers, and the security implications involved.

EA’s Position on VPN Usage

First things first, are VPNs even allowed?

EA doesn’t explicitly prohibit the use of VPNs for playing Battlefield games. In community discussions, EA representatives have stated that using a VPN is generally acceptable. For instance, in a forum thread discussing VPN usage for better connectivity, an EA community manager responded:

“You can use a VPN without any issues.” (forums.ea.com)

However, while EA may allow VPN usage, individual game servers—especially those managed by third parties—might have their own rules. Some servers are configured to detect and kick players using VPNs to prevent potential abuse or cheating. As highlighted in a community discussion:

“If you’re using a VPN for whatever reason, there are a lot of servers that are set to kick players who use VPNs. So, keep that in mind.” (steamcommunity.com)

Another point to keep in mind is that when you use a VPN it assigns you an IP address, and if that IP has been flagged or banned, you won’t be able to connect to the servers and find a match.

Redditors’ Experiences with VPNs in Battlefield

Reddit has big communities for all flavors of Battlefield. Gamers share their experiences and solutions related to VPN usage with multiplayer. Some players have reported improved connectivity and reduced lag when using VPNs, especially when their default internet routes are suboptimal. For example, a Reddit user mentioned that using a VPN significantly lowered their ping, making the game more responsive.

Other Battlefield fans have faced frustrations, such as being unable to connect to certain servers or experiencing unexpected disconnections. These mixed outcomes underscore the importance of choosing a reliable VPN service and being aware of server-specific policies.

Security Considerations for Online Privacy in Battlefield

Unlike the older Call of Duty games, active Battlefield games such as Battlefield 1, Battlefield 5, and Battlefield 2042 are generally safe. However, it never hurts to protect your account and your device.

For players concerned about online privacy, using a VPN can provide an added layer of security by encrypting internet traffic and masking IP addresses. This can help protect against potential threats like DDoS attacks or unauthorized tracking.

EA emphasizes the importance of security and encourages players to report any vulnerabilities:

“It’s important to us to fix potential security issues in our games, products, and services to protect our players.” (forums.battlefield.com)

While EA strives to maintain a secure gaming environment, players should also take personal measures. Using strong, unique passwords for gaming accounts, enabling two-factor authentication, and staying informed about potential security threats are all best practices.

Cheating in Battlefield

Cheating in Battlefield’s multiplayer has been a persistent issue.

Some players use hacks and cheat software to gain unfair advantages with aimbots, wallhacks, and other exploits. This undermines fair play and at times it ruins the fun for legit players.

To combat this, developers have implemented various anti-cheat measures. For instance, in Battlefield V, DICE focused on enhancing client security, scaling detection efforts, and exploring additional deterrence methods alongside account bans. Despite these efforts, reports of cheating persist across the series. People who refuse to follow the rules are persistent and somehow, they always find new workarounds and methods.

Battlefield has a loyal following which is another aspect that makes it enticing to cheaters. As of this writing, Battlefield 1 and Battlefield V have the most concurrent players in the series, with 11,800 and 9,000 players respectively.

Various bad actors and the massive size of Battlefield’s online community are two more reasons to consider enabling a VPN during play sessions.

Conclusion

Leveraging a VPN in Battlefield can enhance your gaming experience by potentially reducing lag and offering access to different regional servers. Still, it’s essential to be aware of EA’s guidelines, individual server rules, and the experiences of other VPN users.

Prioritizing both connectivity and security ensures a smoother and safer gaming experience. That is until you get blasted by a Sherman tank.

How to Unblock U.S. Only Videos (YouTube, Hulu, Max, etc.)

Being denied access to a video due to living outside the U.S. may be one the most annoying problems to plague the web.

Popular streaming apps like Hulu, Max, Netflix, and ESPN Sports all offer brilliant content that’s only available to Americans due to distribution rights and copyright restrictions.

Luckily, there are a variety of browser plugins, software, and services you can use to overcome this barrier.

These days, virtual private networks (VPNs) are the standard when it comes to removing geo-restrictions placed on video content. Proxies and plugins that unblock content on YouTube are free alternatives. However, they aren’t always quick enough to stream high-quality video without hiccups.

VPNs ensure flawless video playback and are affordable though. A VPN service may be worth it if you crave plenty of U.S.-only content.

Why are Some Shows Only Available in the US?

To many fans of high-quality TV shows it’s puzzling why some of the best shows can only be enjoyed in the US. For example, Netflix subscribers in Canada looking to revisit their favorites may be surprised to learn ‘Friends,’ ‘The Office US,’ and ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ aren’t in their library.

Streaming services display content according to your location. The country that your IP address is associated with determines which content is shown and which content is excluded. Thus, Netflix US and Netflix Canada have different libraries with plenty of overlap but also in-demand exclusives.

Some TV executives make strict licensing agreements with streaming platforms so they can control where a given TV show can be screened. Apps also have exclusives that are intended to gain subscribers by offering content that isn’t available anywhere else. In other cases, shows aren’t available simply because no company is selling the show in that region.

Plugins

If you plan to watch the occasional U.S.-only video on YouTube and aren’t picky about performance, start with a browser plugin. This will allow you to watch YouTube videos that are normally restricted in your country

There are two popular Chrome plugins to consider: Youtube Unblocked and Unblocker for YouTube. These plugins work by hiding your true IP and replacing it with an IP associated with the country the video is allowed in.

This approach is hit or miss since the developers of the plugin need to keep it up to date for it to continue working. Additionally, you could be required to enter captcha codes on YouTube to prove you’re human, which gets tiresome. This happens because the proxy server IPs tend to be overused.

VPNs

If you’re planning on watching a fair bit of video on YouTube or Hulu and want the best user experience, free of technical hiccups and slow download speeds, VPNs are the way to go.

VPNs add a secure layer between your device and the internet so you have enhanced online privacy. Your real IP address is replaced with an IP associated with any country of your choosing.

With a VPN you download desktop software or an app, which manages connecting to available servers. It allows you to select a country that has access to the videos you want to watch. Thus, restrictions are removed.

I recommend these VPN services for unrestricted video streaming:

High download speeds are necessary for HD video streaming so it’s vital to choose a VPN that doesn’t hinder performance when it’s enabled.

Closing Remarks

Hopefully, content providers will get laxer about restricting videos from being viewed outside the U.S. as time moves ahead. Some of these copyright laws strike many as antiquated and arbitrary.

Until then, enjoy all the videos you can handle with a handy plugin for YouTube or a VPN.

How to Stop Throttling by Your ISP (Verizon, Comcast, AT&T, Spectrum, etc.)

If you’ve ever had videos on YouTube or Netflix stutter or even stop, there’s a chance that it wasn’t a technical snag. Rather, your ISP could be throttling your download speeds.

Even as Wi-Fi and broadband technology advances, it’s not uncommon to see reports that video streaming performance has been dropping dramatically for months on end on carriers like Verizon and Comcast.

Since Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu are notorious for sucking up bandwidth, ISPs are getting aggressive with throttling video streaming. Actions that were taken to slow down peer-to-peer file sharing via BitTorrent are now being taken on video sites and services.

During these periods of less than adequate streaming performance, there’s usually an ISP that bucks the trend. In one case, the only ISP that had improved video streaming speeds while others throttled was Google Fiber. The other major ISPs had revealed their lacking infrastructure and stingy nature once again, and the trend didn’t reverse itself anytime soon.

Why ISPs Throttle

So, why do ISPs throttle in the first place? The best analogy is that of a traffic jam. Too many users want high-quality video in the same locations, causing congestion and therefore slower speeds.

So, if you want video streaming without pauses and munching on popcorn while waiting for the buffer bar to grow at a snail’s pace, you’ll need to think differently than your neighbors.

ISPs target specific websites and apps when setting the peak download speeds for users. A study found that YouTube is generally throttled the most, and Vimeo is throttled the least.

The speed you get can also depend on the relationship the ISP has with the website or app you’re using. Another study found that AT&T targeted Netflix and YouTube for throttling but Amazon’s Prime Video ran at the best possible speeds.

How to Run Tests and Troubleshoot

Researchers have used an app called Wehe to collect data for their studies and so can you.

Wehe measures the speed of apps of your choice such as YouTube and Netflix and compares them with other apps on your phone. After tests are complete with a particular app, Wehe displays the “app throughput” and “non-app throughput.” If the download speed is notably faster when you use other apps it indicates that your ISP has targeted the app for throttling.

Popular apps to run tests on include YouTube, Vimeo, Amazon Video, Netflix, and Spotify. Since short-form video is so popular on social media you may also want to test Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others.

It’s important to keep in mind that just because an app is underperforming doesn’t mean it’s entirely due to throttling. A CNET article provided insight from the ISPs’ perspective:

“We offer customers choice, including speeds and features to manage their data,” AT&T spokesman Jim Greer said in an emailed statement. “This [Wehe] app fails to account for a user’s choice of settings or plan that may affect speeds. We’ve previously been in contact with the app developers to discuss how they can improve their app’s performance.”

VPNs to the Rescue

Luckily there is a way around throttling by using a virtual private network (VPN). Since congestion is usually a local phenomenon, replacing your IP address with one associated with a different location is an effective fix.

Ars Technica did a piece explaining how VPNs allow savvy users to find better roads to travel on:

[…] a VPN may route your traffic away from congested servers and links that would normally serve up video to your home. Netflix and YouTube store video caches in many locations, and data can take multiple paths to its final destination.
“Imagine you’re in the US and that you are on a carrier that existed in multiple states and time zones, you can VPN to the West Coast from the East Coast and end up getting the idle servers that are there, just sitting and waiting for people to get out of school and off work and so on,” Bowman said.

Choosing the Right VPN

So now you know why a VPN works, let’s look at what you’ll need to look at when choosing a VPN, shall we?

Using a VPN for this purpose is like taking a toll road. It’s the best route, free of annoying congestion, but you also need to pay to play.

Due to the demanding requirements of video streaming not just any VPN will do, or more specifically any free solution will inevitably lead to frustrating, slow performance, defeating the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.

Currently, my three favorite high-performance VPNs for video streaming are the following:

A VPN is well worth it if you rely on Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and other streaming services as your main sources of entertainment. It beats paying for a premium internet package that goes beyond what you need.

Conclusion

Despite the long-standing net neutrality movement, the reality is that throttling is here to stay. Your favorite app might perform worse simply because the company that owns it is viewed as a competitor by the ISP.

Popular apps that use up the most bandwidth such as YouTube are commonly targeted by ISPs in an attempt to give the best experience to the most users during peak hours. Ideally, that is how throttling should be used but in practice, ISPs do what gives them a business advantage as well.

The good news is you can use a VPN to bypass throttling if subscribers in a specific location are being targeted. You can change your IP address, test, and see if this change brings better results.

Photo: Rovanato