Have you ever tried to access your favorite website at work or school only to find that it’s been blocked?
Plenty of internet users have experienced exactly that, but it's even worse if you live in a country that censors the web. And according to a new study by NordVPN, a virtual private network service provider, if you're trying to get around internet restrictions — regardless of where in the world you live — you're most likely trying to watch a video on YouTube.
Researchers at NordVPN analyzed Google search terms containing the keyword “unblock" for countries around the world. (NordVPN provides a service that acts as a workaround whether your favorite website is blocked at work or in your entire country; a VPN basically changes your IP address and routes your traffic through it so it looks like you're located somewhere the content isn't blocked.)
They found that by far, YouTube is the most searched website accompanying the term "unblock" around the world. A whopping 82.7 percent of internet users searching to unblock websites are looking to access the video platform.
The second most searched website users want to unblock? Facebook, with a mere 6.2 percent. Google, Instagram, and Reddit round out the top 5 of sites people want to unblock worldwide.
The study looked at Google’s search tools, providing global data as well as search volume by country.
Interestingly, Facebook and Google each own two platforms on the top 5 list. Another interesting note: people are searching on Google to figure out how to unblock Google. NordVPN digital privacy expert Daniel Markusson explains why.
“As peculiar as it sounds, people are 'googling' how to unblock Google," he said. "The motive is to look for and access information without the fear of punishment, especially in countries where internet censorship is part of the government’s agenda."
So is YouTube that much more popular than other online platforms, or does it just get blocked more?
Well, YouTube is the second-most popular website in the world, so it's massively popular in its own right. However, it also has a much more robust copyright system to identify videos than other platforms, so more content gets restricted. YouTube also lets users know if they come across a piece of content it can’t access, instead of outright hiding it or displaying an error or blank page.
“Some video content is not available in certain countries due to copyright or censorship,” says Markusson. “This makes people look for workarounds.”
The U.S. makes up the largest numbers of “unblock YouTube” searches at 7.7 percent — an even higher rate than countries where content is blocked by the government. India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the UK round out the top 5 countries searching to gain access to the platform.
文章
9
浏览
67254
获赞
37378
5 things I noticed during my 24 hours with the Apple Watch Series 6
Given my very brief time with the Apple Watch Series 6, I’m a little hesitant to fully deliverDrop everything, Gru's 'gorls' meme is the funniest thing on Twitter
You may have seen the Gru's plan meme making its rounds, perfectly describing when your plans just gGas station converting to EV chargers is the modern feel
In these times, climate change and the effects of a warming planet are top of mind, especially withTinder user got creative, sent match a thrilling interactive story
While Tinder can feel like a whole lot of meaningless swiping and embarrassing pickup lines, every oFBI warns of look
Someone is weaponizing your typos. With the U.S. presidential election fast approaching, people acroTwo popular camera apps were pulled from Google Play Store
Two Android apps that weren't what they seemed got pulled from the Google Play app store this week.I11 aggressively average celebrity Instagram comments
When celebrities interact with each other, it can be fun and exciting. But sometimes it's not. ThatFacebook will allow speech from politicians to break its 'community standards'
Facebook announced it’s letting politicians say the kind of stuff that normal users can’Sound Cards: Worth Buying or Just a Niche Product?
So you've gone through your checklist of components you want to purchase for building your new PC. YThe Parkland teens wield real power, as Laura Ingraham has learned
Two minor right-wing celebrities, two half-assed apologies that feel more forced than sincere. TheyThe Best Portable Apps for Your Software Toolbox
Portable apps usually offer the same functionality and advantages as the regular versions of your faGoogle unveils Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL after so, so many leaks
Google finally unveiled its Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. After months of dropping details, Google liftedChill, that terrifying amusement park ride video is fake
Some amusement park rides are too good to be true. A famous drop ride in Seoul, Korea got a CGI updaJohn Legend's texts to Kanye West proves he's as kind as he seems
Kanye West has had a busy week. In the past few days, he's divided Twitter with his "free thinking"Seattle moves to toss old marijuana convictions
Seattle is leading the way. The city is on the verge of tossing out old convictions for marijuana po