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Overcomes censorship

Recently, I shared a series of recommendations for configuring and securing Telegram against unauthorized access. However, it is now imperative to address how to avoid censorship and regional blocking of this messaging application. The fact that we need to mention this issue indicates an alarming turn in the situation, as it implies that individual freedoms are being threatened and compromised in some way. Although I never thought I would need to create a tutorial like this, it is necessary to do so today.

To provide context, up to this date Telegram had only been blocked in countries like China, North Korea, Pakistan, and Iran. However, unfortunately, within hours it could also be blocked in Spain, following the issuance of a precautionary order by a judge of the National Court, alleging that Telegram infringes copyright. This news, I confess, has left me with a bitter taste, a surprise I did not expect neither in Venezuela, much less in Spain. Honestly, it worries me; this sets a precedent that undermines freedom of expression._Fuente

Nevertheless, setting aside political considerations, we will focus on technology and how we can use it to preserve spaces of freedom. It is known that attempts to silence Telegram have been made in other countries previously, successfully in only four cases so far, although it could be five within hours. Perhaps for this reason, Telegram has already implemented mechanisms to try to remain operational.

Servidor Proxy

En primera lugar, la sugerencia es descargar Telegram directamente desde su página web en lugar de hacerlo desde las tiendas de aplicaciones, ya que estas son las primeras en ser susceptibles a las restricciones. Pues bien, desde la web es posible descargar la apk de la aplicación, algo que beneficia especialmente a los usuarios de Android (Android 1 - iOS 0). En segundo lugar, y esto es aplicable a todos los usuarios, se recomienda activar un servidor proxy que sirva como puente para establecer una conexión. Básicamente, el proxy enmascara la dirección IP, similar a una VPN pero sin cifrar la información.

Como les decía, Telegram ya lo tenía pensado, por lo que simplemente debemos dirigirnos a la configuración para activar esta opción:

• En la versión web: Ajustes - Avanzados - Tipo de conexión - Usar proxy personalizado.
• En Android: Ajustes - Datos y almacenamiento - Ajustes de proxy - Usar proxy.
• En iOS: Ajustes - Datos y almacenamiento - Proxy - Usar proxy.

Independientemente de la versión deTelegram que utilices, luego será necesario "Añadir un proxy", para lo cual tendremos que ingresar información como servidor, puerto, credenciales, etc. Para el usuario promedio, esto puede parecer complicado, por lo que, para términos de esta publicación, optaremos por la vía más rápida y sencilla para cualquier usuario, sin complicaciones y al alcance de un clic.

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Proxy Server

Firstly, the recommendation is to download Telegram directly from its website instead of from the app stores, as they are the first to be susceptible to restrictions. Well, from the website it is possible to download the app's apk, something that benefits Android users especially (Android 1 - iOS 0). Secondly, and this is applicable to all users, it is recommended to activate a proxy server that serves as a bridge to establish a connection. Basically, the proxy masks the IP address, similar to a VPN but without encrypting the information.

As I was saying, Telegram had already thought about this, so we just need to go to the settings to activate this option:

• In the web version: Settings - Advanced - Connection type - Use custom proxy.
  
• In Android: Settings - Data and storage - Proxy settings - Use proxy.
  
• In iOS: Settings - Data and storage - Proxy - Use proxy.
  
  Regardless of the version of Telegram you use, it will then be necessary to "Add a proxy", for which we will have to enter information such as server, port, credentials, etc. For the average user, this may seem complicated, so, for the purposes of this publication, we will opt for the fastest and simplest route for any user, without complications and within reach of a click.
  

La solución en un canal de Telegram

La solución práctica y sencilla se encuentra en el canal Proxy MTProto, en el que tendremos acceso a un listado de muchos servidores y bastará con hacer clic en “Conectar”. Eso es todo, con eso estaremos conectados a Telegram desde otra región. Sin embargo, es importante tener en cuenta que esto conlleva sus riesgos, así que antes de hacer clic en "Conectar", échale un ojito al listado.

Ustedes dirán: "Es mejor una VPN". Ok, es cierto que hay diferencias marcadas en términos de seguridad, privacidad, velocidad e incluso de precio entre el uso de una VPN y un proxy. Sin embargo, en este caso específico, el enfoque está orientado en eludir las restricciones geográficas, por lo que un proxy es más que suficiente.

¡Viva la libertad!

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The solution in a Telegram channel

The practical and simple solution is found in the Proxy MTProto channel, where we will have access to a list of many servers and just need to click "Connect". That's all, with that we will be connected to Telegram from another region. However, it is important to note that this carries its risks, so before clicking "Connect", take a look at the list.

You may say, "A VPN is better." Okay, it is true that there are marked differences in terms of security, privacy, speed, and even price between using a VPN and a proxy. However, in this specific case, the focus is on bypassing geographical restrictions, so a proxy is more than enough.

Long live freedom!

Diseño de miniatura en Canva.com.
Capturas de pantalla de la app Telegram para iOS.

Translation: ChatGPT.
Thumbnail design on Canva.com.
Screenshots of the Telegram app for iOS.

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