Why Is Mada Masr Banned in Egypt & How to Access It?

Mada Masr is an independent online newspaper known for its investigative journalism and in-depth reporting on Egyptian politics, culture, and society. Founded in 2013, it quickly gained a reputation for its fearless coverage and commitment to press freedom. Despite its popularity, the site has faced significant challenges, including being banned in Egypt.

The Egyptian government blocked access to Mada Masr in 2017, citing national security concerns. This move has been widely criticized by international human rights organizations as an attempt to stifle free speech and suppress dissent. The ban has only heightened interest in the publication, making it a symbol of resistance against censorship.

In the following sections, we will explore the reasons behind the ban on Mada Masr and discuss ways to access the site if you're in Egypt. Understanding the motivations for the ban and the methods to bypass it can help readers stay informed and support independent journalism.

Why Did Egypt Block Mada Masr?

The blocking of Mada Masr by the Egyptian government in 2017 was a significant event that drew international attention. The decision to block the site was influenced by a combination of political, social, and security-related factors. Below are the main causes that led to this action:

  • Critical Reporting on Government Officials: Mada Masr has been known for its investigative journalism, often exposing corruption and misconduct among high-ranking officials. This critical stance made it a target for government censorship.
  • Coverage of Sensitive Political Issues: The publication frequently covered topics that the government deemed sensitive, such as human rights abuses and political dissent. This type of reporting was seen as a threat to national security.
  • Influence on Public Opinion: With its growing readership, Mada Masr had a significant influence on public opinion. The government viewed this as a potential catalyst for unrest and sought to control the narrative by blocking the site.
  • International Attention and Support: The site received considerable attention and support from international human rights organizations. This external backing was perceived as undermining the government's authority and sovereignty.
  • Previous Incidents of Censorship: The blocking of Mada Masr was part of a broader pattern of media censorship in Egypt. Previous incidents had set a precedent, making it easier for the government to justify further restrictions on press freedom.

How to Access Mada Masr in Egypt in 3 steps

1) Download and install a VPN app: Choose a reliable VPN app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Follow the installation instructions to set it up on your device.

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2) Open the VPN app and select a server: Launch the VPN app and browse through the list of available servers. Select a server located in a country where Mada Masr is not blocked, such as the United States, Canada, or Germany.

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3) Connect to the VPN and access Mada Masr: Once you've selected a server, click the connect button. After the VPN establishes a connection, open your web browser and visit Mada Masr to enjoy unrestricted access.

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What Do VPNs Do?

VPNs can bypass geo-restrictions by masking your IP address and routing your internet traffic through servers in different countries. This makes it appear as though you are accessing the internet from a location where the content is not restricted, allowing you to access websites, streaming services, and other online content that may be blocked in your region.

Tips for Accessing Mada Masr in Egypt

For those in Egypt looking to access Mada Masr, here are some helpful tips to ensure you can stay informed and support independent journalism:

  • Use a reputable VPN: A reliable VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions. For instance, VPN - Super Unlimited Proxy, the most downloaded VPN app of 2023 - Data.ai, is a great option.
  • Clear your browser cache: Before attempting to access Mada Masr, clear your browser's cache and cookies to avoid any stored data that might block the site.
  • Use alternative browsers: Some browsers are better at bypassing restrictions. Consider using browsers like Tor or Opera, which have built-in VPN features.
  • Stay updated on mirror sites: Mada Masr may have mirror sites that are not blocked. Keep an eye on their social media channels for updates on alternative URLs.
  • Enable HTTPS Everywhere: This browser extension can help you access blocked sites by ensuring your connection is secure and encrypted, making it harder for censors to block your access.

What Happens If I Use Mada Masr in Egypt?

If you attempt to access Mada Masr in Egypt without any circumvention tools, you will likely encounter a block page or an error message indicating that the site is unavailable. This is due to the government's decision to restrict access to the publication, citing national security concerns. As a result, the website is inaccessible through standard internet connections within the country.

Additionally, trying to access Mada Masr could draw attention from authorities, as internet activity is monitored in Egypt. While simply visiting the site may not lead to immediate consequences, repeated attempts or sharing content from the publication could potentially attract scrutiny. It's important to stay informed about the legal landscape and exercise caution when engaging with restricted content.

Use VPN - Super Unlimited Proxy to Access Mada Masr!

Using VPN - Super Unlimited Proxy, you can easily access Mada Masr in Egypt. Our free plan offers unlimited time, data, and bandwidth, providing you with basic VPN functionality and access to free servers. This makes it an excellent option for bypassing geo-restrictions and staying informed with independent journalism.

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