Surfshark's emergency VPN program has helped 100 journalists and activists across 9 countries work 'in some of the world’s most complex environments'

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Subscriptions have been handed out to those facing internet censorship

Surfshark encryption graphic showing hand holding a key. There is a globe with a keyhole
(Image credit: Surfshark)

A partnership between Surfshark and Internews has resulted in 100 activists and journalists, across nine countries, being supplied with free Surfshark One subscriptions.

Accessing the best VPNs is crucial for those living under internet censorship, and reporting and working from challenging environments. VPNs protect activists' data, shields their identity, and keeps them online by evading internet censorship.

Surfshark's support

In a post on LinkedIn, Internews said Surfshark's support helps its partners "working in some of the world’s most complex environments stay safe online."

Internews says it steps in to ensure independent media doesn't face collapse in war zones, fragile democracies, and when internet freedoms are attacked. As part of its support, Internews "provides encrypted VPN access to protect sensitive communications, safeguard sources, bypass censorship, and ensure continued access to publishing platforms."

Thanks to Surfshark's emergency VPN program, Internews has handed out Surfshark One subscriptions to 100 partners, across nine countries. Journalists and civil society activists from Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan were given digital security training where they received hands-on guidance on how a VPN works, the threats they help protect against, and how to integrate them into professional practice. Each participant then had a one-year Surfshark One subscription activated on their device.

Surfshark on a Mac

(Image credit: Future)

Surfshark One is the VPN's second tier of plan. It includes Avira-backed antivirus, secure search, data alerts, scam protection, and web content blocker on top of core VPN features such as unlimited device connections, Multi-hop, Alternative ID, 1,600+ Mbps speeds, and post-quantum encryption support.

A 27-month Surfshark One plan typically costs $2.29 per month ($61.83 upfront pre-tax). However, those in need can fill out a Google Form on Surfshark's website to detail how an emergency VPN subscription would help them.

Internews gave examples of why reliable VPNs are so important. It said without secure VPNs, people have been pushed to "unsecured networks" and have faced "phishing attacks, account compromises, and greater exposure to surveillance." It also warned that some have had to rely on public or insecure VPNs, "sharply increasing their digital risk."

VPNs vs internet censorship

4.6 billion people were impacted by internet censorship in 2025. VPNs are a fundamental tool in fighting back and maintaining open access to the internet.

The most secure VPNs have anti-censorship VPN protocols that are specifically designed to evade blocks and traffic monitoring. We have only seen one notable case in recent months where VPNs couldn't help. This occurred in Iran, in January 2026, when the government shut down the internet entirely, leaving millions of Iranians in the dark.

Alongside emergency VPNs, the best free VPNs offer basic, fundamental online protections for journalists and activists. PrivadoVPN Free, Windscribe Free, and Proton VPN Free are the three we recommend. They're safe, secure, and will be able to bypass most cases of internet censorship. The latter, from Proton VPN, is part of the VPN's array of dedicated anti-censorship features.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

George Phillips
George Phillips
Staff Writer

George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights and censorship, and its interplay with politics. Outside of work, George is passionate about music, Star Wars, and Karate.

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