🛡️ Safe Browsing Guide

This guide offers tips for protecting your privacy, avoiding censorship, and staying safe online. It includes both simple steps for everyday users and advanced tools for experienced users and activists.

👥 For Everyone (Non-Technical Users)

These tips help you stay safe, protect your privacy, and access blocked content, even if you're not a tech expert.

🔐 1. Use Safe Browsers

Use Brave Browser or Firefox. They block ads and trackers.
For full privacy, use Tor Browser – it hides your location and identity online.

🔍 2. Use Private Search Engines

Avoid Google. Try:
- DuckDuckGo
- Startpage

These don’t save your search history.

🌍 3. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN hides your location and helps you access blocked websites.
Good VPNs: ProtonVPN, Mullvad, IVPN
Avoid free VPNs — they may sell your data.

🛑 4. Avoid Censorship

If some websites are blocked, use:
- Tor Browser
- Psiphon (good for mobile)
- Lantern
Use Wayback Machine or archive.today to access deleted pages.

📱 5. Stay Safe on Your Phone

Turn off location and biometrics (face or fingerprint unlock) before going to a protest.
Use Signal app for secure messaging — it’s better than WhatsApp.
On Android, install:
- NetGuard – blocks apps from using the internet
- TrackerControl – blocks trackers inside apps

🧼 6. Protect Your Identity

Use fake or temporary email addresses (e.g. SimpleLogin).
Don’t use your real name or ID unless required.
Log out of accounts after using them.

🔑 7. Use Strong Passwords

Use a password manager like Bitwarden or KeePass to save and create strong passwords.
Don’t reuse the same password on many sites.

🧩 Useful Tools Table

Tool	What it Does
Signal	Safe, private messaging app
Tor Browser	Hides your identity and location
ProtonVPN	Protects your internet connection
Wayback Machine	Lets you view deleted web pages
Bitwarden	Stores your passwords securely

❗ Final Reminders

Don’t click unknown links.
Don’t trust strange messages or emails.
If you're attending a protest or speaking out, be careful what you share online.
Always ask: "Is this safe to post or say?"

🧠 Advanced Guide (Tech-Savvy Users)

🔐 Use Privacy-First Browsers

Brave – Blocks ads and trackers by default. Built-in Tor tab support.
Firefox (with privacy extensions):
Tor Browser – Routes traffic through the Tor network to anonymize browsing.

🔍 Use Private Search Engines

🌐 Use a Trusted VPN

Recommended:
- Mullvad
- ProtonVPN
- IVPN
Avoid free VPNs – many log activity or insert ads.

🔄 Circumventing Censorship

Use Tor Browser with bridges if Tor is blocked.
Use DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT) to stop tracking by ISPs:
- NextDNS
- Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 app)
Other useful tools:
- Psiphon
- Lantern

📡 Archive & Mirror Sites

Wayback Machine
archive.today
IPFS links or decentralized mirrors

🔐 General Security Practices

Keep software and apps updated.
Use encrypted messengers like Signal or Session.
Avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments.

🧼 Minimize Your Data Footprint

Log out of accounts when not in use.
Use temporary email addresses (e.g. SimpleLogin, AnonAddy).
Use browser containers or separate profiles for different tasks.

📱 Mobile Safety (Advanced)

Use privacy-first OS like GrapheneOS or CalyxOS.
Install:
- NetGuard – Firewall
- TrackerControl – App tracker blocker
Disable biometrics and location services during sensitive activities.

🧩 Bonus Tools Table

Tool	Purpose
Signal	Secure messaging
KeePassXC / Bitwarden	Password manager
Tails OS / Whonix	Anonymous live operating systems
ProtonMail / Tutanota	Encrypted email
CryptPad / Skiff	Privacy-first document editing

❗ Final Notes

Avoid SMS/email for sensitive identity checks.
Assume major platforms (e.g. Facebook, WhatsApp) may be monitored.
For whistleblowers and journalists:
- Use SecureDrop or OnionShare for anonymous document sharing.