These Proxies Are Helping Journalists Access Blocked News

The Koi’s Path: Navigating Information Currents with Proxies

In the manner of a koi fish swimming against the current, journalists often face formidable barriers when seeking truth. The restrictive flow of information, whether imposed by governments or corporations, requires both resilience and ingenuity. Proxies, much like the stepping stones in a Japanese garden, offer a path forward—enabling access to blocked news with technical grace and strategic subtlety.

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Types of Proxies Used by Journalists

1. HTTP/S Proxies

HTTP and HTTPS proxies are like the bamboo screens in a teahouse: they control what passes through and obscure what happens within. These proxies relay web requests, allowing users to appear as though they are connecting from a different location.

• Use Cases: Accessing region-blocked news sites; bypassing workplace censorship.
• Technical Note: HTTPS proxies provide encrypted communication, which is essential for sensitive reporting.

2. SOCKS5 Proxies

SOCKS5 proxies are akin to a silent bridge: they support any kind of traffic, not just HTTP, making them versatile for journalists needing to access diverse resources.

• Use Cases: Connecting through tools like Tor or for accessing multimedia content.
• Technical Note: SOCKS5 supports authentication, which adds a layer of security.

3. Tor (The Onion Router)

The Tor network, reminiscent of a winding mountain path, obfuscates both origin and destination. It routes traffic through multiple volunteer nodes, making tracking exceedingly difficult.

• Use Cases: Researching sensitive topics; communicating with whistleblowers.
• Technical Note: Tor bridges can bypass even heavily censored networks.

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Comparative Table: Proxy Types at a Glance

Proxy Type	Encryption	Protocols Supported	Typical Use Case	Notable Tools	Resource Link
HTTP Proxy	Optional	HTTP/HTTPS	Basic site access	Squid, Glype	https://wiki.squid-cache.org/Features/Proxy
HTTPS Proxy	Yes	HTTPS	Secure site access	Privoxy	https://www.privoxy.org/
SOCKS5	No (by default)	Any TCP/UDP	Flexible, supports many protocols	Shadowsocks, Proxychains	https://github.com/shadowsocks/shadowsocks
Tor	Yes	Any (via SOCKS5)	Anonymity, bypassing deep censorship	Tor Browser	https://www.torproject.org/

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Practical Steps: Using Proxies for Access

Setting Up a SOCKS5 Proxy with Shadowsocks

Just as a tea master prepares each utensil with care, setting up a proxy requires mindful attention to detail.

1. Install Shadowsocks

On Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install shadowsocks-libev

2. Configure Shadowsocks

Create or edit /etc/shadowsocks-libev/config.json:

{
    "server":"server_address",
    "server_port":8388,
    "local_address":"127.0.0.1",
    "local_port":1080,
    "password":"your_password",
    "timeout":300,
    "method":"aes-256-gcm"
}

3. Start the Service

sudo systemctl start shadowsocks-libev

4. Configure Your Browser or System

Set your browser/network proxy to 127.0.0.1:1080 (SOCKS5).

• Shadowsocks documentation

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Using Tor Bridges for Enhanced Anonymity

When the main path is blocked, a wise traveler seeks a hidden trail. Tor bridges act as secret gateways into the Tor network.

1. Download Tor Browser

https://www.torproject.org/download/

2. Request a Bridge

• Visit https://bridges.torproject.org/

3. Configure Tor Browser with a Bridge

• Open Tor Browser → “Configure Connection” → “Use a Bridge” → Enter bridge information.

• Tor Bridges Documentation

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Choosing a Reliable Proxy: Wisdom in Selection

Like selecting the right stone for a Zen garden, the choice of proxy should be harmonious with your needs:

Criterion	Why It Matters	Example Recommendations
Speed	Timely reporting	Shadowsocks, commercial VPN proxies
Anonymity	Source protection	Tor, custom SOCKS5 with private servers
Reliability	Uninterrupted access	Self-hosted, paid proxy services
Jurisdiction	Legal safety	Servers in neutral countries (Iceland, Switzerland)

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Maintaining Operational Security

A wise gardener tends to each plant with vigilance. Similarly, journalists must remain attentive to operational security:

• Change Proxy Credentials Regularly: Avoid reuse.
• Use Encrypted Communication: Always prefer HTTPS or encrypted tunnels.
• Monitor for Leaks: Tools like https://ipleak.net/ can reveal if your real IP is exposed.
• Avoid Simultaneous Logins: Don’t log into personal and journalistic accounts over the same proxy.

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Real-World Example: Accessing Blocked News in Myanmar

After the 2021 coup in Myanmar, many journalists used Tor bridges and Shadowsocks relays to reach international news sites blocked by the junta.

• Setup: Journalists configured Android devices with Orbot (Tor) and Shadowsocks for Android.
• Outcome: Continued access to BBC, The Irrawaddy, and other news sources.

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Further Resources

• Tor Project: Censorship Circumvention
• Access Now: Digital Security Helpline
• Reporters Without Borders: Digital Security Tools

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By moving with the quiet strength of bamboo and the perseverance of the koi, journalists can continue to pierce the veil of censorship. Each proxy is a tool, a silent companion on the path toward truth.