Category Archives: iOS

How to Unblock Reddit at School or Work

Reddit is one of the most visited websites in the world. If offers vast and diverse communities (called subreddits) that cover everything from breaking news in your city to video games and career advice. In particular, it’s a top destination for sharing opinions and personal experiences related to niche interests.

Despite its usefulness, Reddit is frequently blocked at schools, workplaces, and even in some countries.

Luckily, it’s usually straightforward to find a workaround. If you’re looking to regain access, this guide explains why Reddit is often restricted and how to safely and effectively unblock it using a VPN.

A Brief History of Reddit And Why It’s Great for Research

Founded in 2005 by Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian, Reddit quickly became the “front page of the internet.” Its name is a play on the phrase “read it.” The alien featured in the logo is a genderless time-traveler named Snoo. Reddit hosts thousands of subreddits where users post content, ask questions, and share knowledge on virtually any topic.

For students, professionals, and researchers, Reddit is a valuable resource. Subreddits like r/AskScience, r/ExplainLikeImFive, and r/DataIsBeautiful offer insights that are often more digestible and practical than traditional academic sources. Reddit’s upvote system highlights the most useful and accurate responses, making it a powerful tool for learning and discovery.

Why Reddit Is Often Blocked at School or Work

Decision-makers often lump Reddit in with social media apps like Facebook and Instagram. Despite its unique benefits, Reddit is commonly blocked in schools and offices.

The reasons for blocking it include:

Distraction: Reddit can be addictive, with endless content that can take focus away from work or study.
NSFW Content: Some subreddits include adult content or material that’s inappropriate in a public setting.
Bandwidth Usage: In some cases, high traffic from image and video-heavy subreddits can strain network resources.
Content Moderation Concerns: Because Reddit is community-driven, not all content is vetted or moderated uniformly.

Network administrators often block Reddit using firewalls or DNS restrictions to maintain productivity and a safe browsing environment.

Countries That Block Reddit

Reddit has also faced restrictions or complete bans in several countries, often due to political or cultural reasons.

Here are the countries that block Reddit or have blocked it in the past:

China: Reddit is fully blocked as part of the country’s broader internet censorship policies.
Indonesia: Temporarily banned Reddit in the past due to concerns over explicit content.
Russia: Has issued temporary blocks on certain Reddit pages over drug-related discussions.
India: Occasionally restricts access to specific subreddits considered offensive.

In these cases, users often turn to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass such restrictions.

How a VPN Helps You Unblock Reddit

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. When connected to a VPN server, your online activity appears to originate from a different location. You’re given an IP address allowing you to bypass content filters, firewalls, and regional restrictions.

This means that if Reddit is blocked on your network or in your country, a VPN can mask your traffic, making it look like you’re browsing from a location where Reddit is freely accessible.

How to Unblock Reddit with a VPN: Step-by-Step

Choose a Reputable VPN Provider
Look for a VPN with strong security, fast speeds, and a no-logs policy. Check out LetMeBy’s top VPN picks here.

Download and Install the VPN App
Most VPNs offer apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This allows for advanced functionality and makes configuring each piece of software you use unnecessary.

Launch the App and Sign In
Use your credentials to log into your VPN account.

Connect to a VPN Server
Choose a server in a country where Reddit is not blocked. Ideally, select one close to your actual location for the best download speed.

Open Reddit
Visit www.reddit.com or use the app as you normally would. The restrictions you noticed earlier should be removed!

Tips for Choosing the Best VPN to Access Reddit

There are tons of choices out there for VPN services, but not all of them are created equal.

Here are some qualities to look for to ensure you choose a VPN that provides an outstanding experience on Reddit:

Strong Encryption: Look for VPNs using AES-256 encryption for top-notch security.
No-Logs Policy: Ensures your activity isn’t tracked or stored.
Kill Switch Feature: Cuts internet access if the VPN drops, protecting your identity.
Fast Speeds: Essential for browsing image-heavy content and videos on Reddit.
Effectively Bypasses Restrictions: Choose VPNs known for getting past firewalls, like those used in schools or workplaces.
Good Customer Support: In case you run into issues unblocking Reddit or connecting to a server.

If you’re ready to look at specific VPN providers, I’ve got you.

These are LetMeBy’s recommended VPNs for unblocking Reddit:

Conclusion

Reddit is more than just another Facebook clone. It’s a hub of community-driven knowledge, advice, and entertainment.

While it’s often blocked at school, work, or in certain countries, these restrictions can be bypassed safely using a VPN. By choosing the right VPN and following a few simple steps, you can unlock Reddit’s full potential wherever you are.

Contrary to the belief of some, Reddit can be a productive tool. Just remember to use your newfound access responsibly, whether you’re diving into r/AskHistorians or checking out the latest memes in search of inspiration.

Netflix US vs. Canada: Which Wins on Content?

Does this story sound familiar? A Canadian Netflix subscriber hears about a hot new show on social media. The show is supposedly on Netflix, but it’s nowhere to be found.

Netflix is a global entertainment giant, but its content library varies significantly from country to country. In particular, Netflix US and Netflix Canada offer distinct collections of movies and TV shows, each with its strengths and weaknesses. While both regions share a vast number of popular titles, there are key differences that can make one library more appealing than the other.

Comparing Content Libraries

Netflix US once boasted a larger overall library compared to Netflix Canada. However, now Canada is on top.

According to recent data, Netflix US offers 6,389 titles in total, including about 2,438 TV shows and 3,951 movies. Meanwhile, Netflix Canada has approximately 6,734 titles, with about 2,376 TV shows and 4,358 movies.

This disparity in content is primarily due to regional licensing agreements and content acquisition strategies. It’s important to note that exclusives in the US and Canada change over time as Netflix’s libraries are constantly evolving.

US-Exclusive Titles

The main reason people want to use Netflix US outside of the US is to gain access to exclusives. Some movies and TV shows are only available to US subscribers.

Notable examples of these shows include Grey’s Anatomy and NCIS. Also, movies like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Joker, and May December are US exclusives.

US exclusives often include critically acclaimed series, blockbuster films, and niche genres that may not be accessible in other regions.

Canada-Exclusive Titles

Despite having a smaller library of TV shows, Netflix Canada offers unique content that can’t be found in the US. Additionally, Netflix Canada has more movies than Netflix US.

Movies like The Untouchables, The Hunt, and Blue Valentine are on Netflix Canada, but they currently can’t be streamed in the US. Some acclaimed movies like The Devil Wears Prada and The Shawshank Redemption aren’t on Netflix US either.

The exclusives on Netflix Canada often include Canadian-produced series, international films, and critically acclaimed indie content.

Why the Differences?

US and Canadian audiences enjoy much of the same content, so why does Netflix have different libraries for each country?

The differences in content libraries between Netflix US and Netflix Canada come down to licensing agreements. Netflix negotiates distribution rights with content creators and studios, and these agreements are often limited by country or region. As a result, Netflix may have the rights to stream a specific title in one country but not another.

Which Library Is Better?

Many Canadians wonder if the grass is greener in the US in terms of streaming content.

For most viewers, Netflix US is generally considered the superior library due to its larger selection of mainstream films and popular TV series. However, Netflix Canada is an attractive option for those seeking a blend of mainstream and international content, along with a curated selection of Canadian productions.

Netflix Canada’s library has been making big gains and it’s now larger than Netflix US. For sheer variety and quantity of movies, Canada has an edge.

Who Should Choose Netflix US?

Viewers looking for the latest blockbuster movies and trending TV shows
Fans of US-exclusive content, including classic shows like The Office (US), Charmed, and The Wonder Years
Those seeking the biggest movies and shows everyone is talking about

Who Should Choose Netflix Canada?

Fans of Canadian films and TV shows
Viewers interested in international and indie content
Those seeking a slightly more curated selection of titles

Using a VPN to Access Both Libraries

These days, the Netflix library you’re shown in your country is just the starting point.

For viewers who want the best of both worlds, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide access to both Netflix US and Netflix Canada libraries from anywhere in the world. However, Netflix actively works to detect and block VPN usage, so results may vary depending on the VPN provider.

Check out LetMeBy’s list of the top VPNs here.

Conclusion

So, which library is better? There’s no clear winner here. There are far more similarities than differences, but the differences stand out when you’re looking for a specific movie or show.

While Netflix US offers a broader selection of mainstream content, Netflix Canada stands out with its curated selection of Canadian and international titles. Ultimately, the better choice depends on individual viewing preferences. Though with a VPN, viewers can experience both libraries and enjoy all the content Netflix offers worldwide.

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.

ChatGPT vs. Deepseek: Which is Better for Privacy?

There’s no doubt that AI-powered tools have revolutionized how we work.

It’s even changed how we see the world. With the release of ChatGPT, AI became a subject that was discussed at the dinner table.

Business leaders and individuals alike are experimenting with AI apps and rushing to determine how they can integrate them into their organizations and their workflows. Nevertheless, in this rush to keep up with the times, we mustn’t let online privacy become an afterthought.

Competition Leads to Better Privacy

ChatGPT may have set the bar, but contenders like Deepseek have proven that anything can happen in the AI space, and it can happen fast.

Deepseek astonished the tech giants with its latest large language models (LLL). AI models such as DeepSeek R1 are comparable with Open Ai’s flagship ChatGPT-4o and Claude Sonnet 3.5.

This competition is not only a pivotal part of the story that will lead to better and better AI, it means more choice for users. Now, privacy-focused individuals can compare the privacy policies of AI apps and make informed decisions about how they use them.

In terms of privacy, ChatGPT and Deepseek have many similarities on the surface. However, as you dig deeper it becomes clear that ChatGPT has put more effort into creating policies and features that give users some level of control over their data.

How ChatGPT and Deepseek are Alike

Before getting into how ChatGPT and Deepseek stack up against each other, it makes sense to start with their similarities.

Both apps are chatbots. It’s a lot like messaging friends with Meta’s Messenger. Only in this case, you’re chatting with AI. Once users type in their questions or explain what they’re looking for, chatbots generate incredibly polished and detailed answers.

Like any apps that require sign-up, both apps collect personal data such as name, email, and phone number. Additionally, technical data such as your IP address as well as usage data such as feature usage are stored.

ChatGPT collects data from user prompts, uploaded files, and conversations. Deepseek collects all the same data in addition to user feedback.

Thus, in terms of input, ChatGPT and Deepseek are identical. The same chat data goes in, but the first crucial factor is to determine how that input is stored, and how it’s potentially used.

Where Your Data Goes

Deepseek’s privacy policy reveals that all user data is stored on secure servers in China. As ChatGPT is a US-based company, it stores user data on US servers.

This means that Deepseek and ChatGPT follow vastly different laws set by the countries they operate in.

Deepseek is subject to the Cybersecurity Law of China (2017) and the Data Security Law (2021). These laws grant the Chinese government access to a wide array of user data.

Data that can be requested and sent to Chinese authorities include sensitive user inputs, conversations, and even login credentials.

For US citizens and other people who live outside of China, this might be concerning because they could be subjected to the surveillance laws of a foreign country.

Controlling Your Data

Deepseek collects more user data than ChatGPT overall.

Any chats you have in Deepseek can be used to train its AI. The app also includes third-party tracking. It collects behavioral analytics, even outside of Deepseek.

To top it off, Deepseek shares data with advertisers, corporate affiliates, and legal entities and there’s no way to opt out as a user.

The data ChatGPT collects isn’t as extensive. Most importantly, it allows people to have control over their data. Functionality is provided so all user data that was collected can be deleted. Additionally, it’s possible to opt out of sharing data to train its AI.

Compliance with the Laws of Foreign Countries

ChatGPT has greater transparency in terms of which laws it is compliant with that originate outside of the US. It explicitly states that it is GDPR and CCPA compliant. GDPR is the EU data protection law and CCPA is the California Consumer Privacy Act.

Deepseek lacks transparency about compliance. Certainly, it follows China’s privacy laws but it can’t be assumed that laws in the US and Europe are followed to the same extent.

Conclusion

By default, AI apps collect user data fairly aggressively. However, Deepseek’s privacy policy reveals that it’s even more hungry for your data than ChatGPT. Deepseek is a ground-breaking AI app, but it has a long way to go in terms of considering the online privacy of its users.

Two notable differences between Deepseek and ChatGPT are the level of control the user has over their data as well as transparency.

ChatGPT offers opportunities to opt out of data collection. Plus, it provides options for removing your data. With Deepseek, the user isn’t’ given tools to manage their data. It isn’t clear whether it’s compliant with laws such as GDPR and CCPA or not.