NordVPN partners with Internews to support journalists facing internet censorship – and you can help too

NordVPN has partnered with the non-profit organization, Internews, to provide secure digital tools for journalists, activists, and civil society groups operating in high-risk environments.

The partnership will integrate NordVPN, the best VPN for most people, into Internews' global digital safety programs. Internews works in over 40 countries and supports media workers facing surveillance, censorship, and cyberattacks.

To support public engagement, the two organizations have also launched a donation campaign. The first 100 people to donate £35 (~$46) to Internews will receive a six-month NordVPN subscription.

What does the partnership deliver?

The partnership sees NordVPN embedded directly into Internews' training and support programs for journalists and civil society groups.

This includes access to encrypted connections that mask IP addresses and help users avoid tracking or interception. NordVPN will also be integrated into Internews' "Changemakers" training materials, which are used by digital security trainers working with journalists and NGOs.

The initiative builds on earlier cooperation between the two groups in countries such as Sudan and Afghanistan, where journalists were supported in bypassing censorship and reducing surveillance risks.

NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs out there. It supports post-quantum encryption across all platforms, and offers VPN obfuscation through its NordWhisper protocol – vital for anyone using a VPN in restrictive environments. Double VPN and Onion over VPN are two further features that ensure additional cybersecurity protections for at-risk users.

"Secure digital spaces are a lifeline for people working under threat," said Meera Selva, CEO of Internews Europe. "NordVPN's support allows us to provide journalists and activists with reliable tools that reduce their exposure to surveillance and censorship."

Why VPNs are stepping in to help those in need

Digital threats against journalists are increasing, particularly in regions affected by conflict or internet censorship.

NordVPN said the partnership is part of ongoing efforts to support secure communication in environments where internet use is monitored or restricted.

"By combining Internews' frontline expertise with Nord's secure technologies, we can help protect those most at risk," said Akvilė Liudžienė, ESG manager at NordVPN.

VPNs have expanded their role in this space in recent years. In February 2026, it was announced that Surfshark had helped Internews provide 100 activists with VPN subscriptions thanks to its Emergency VPN program.

Mullvad, IPVanish, and CyberGhost also offer emergency VPNs to journalists and activists. While the best free VPNs – PrivadoVPN Free, Windscribe Free, and Proton VPN Free – are safe and secure options for basic VPN protection.

NordVPN already runs its own outreach programs, including a non-profits initiative that provides free or discounted VPN access to journalists, NGOs, and educators, as well as an emergency VPN scheme for users facing censorship or surveillance.

You can help too

NordVPN's program is aimed at individual's in high-risk environments, who rely on privacy tools to keep them safe.

If this isn't you, there's still a way to get involved and support the work of NordVPN and Internews.

As part of the launch, the two are running a donation campaign where you can receive a cut-price six-month NordVPN subscription. You have to:

• Donate £35 (~$46) to Internews
• Be among the first 100 contributors
• Receive a six-month NordVPN subscription

NordVPN doesn't currently offer a standard six-month plan. Based on its monthly NordVPN Basic pricing, six months would typically cost around $77.94.

Contributing means you'll benefit from a discounted VPN subscription, while supporting a non-profit focused on press freedom and digital safety.