Webproxy.net - Unblock any website

Webproxy is a Firefox add-on that allows you to unblock websites as well as surf the web anonymously. You can also select a particular proxy based on region. The add-on isn't necessarily a proxy all by itself - instead, it’s a way to easily find proxies online.

Proxies work by filtering your web browser through server different to the one that you’re using. This makes it look like your IP address is different entirely. The utility of proxies has largely to do with bypassing website blocks. For example, you could use the Webproxy software to access websites through your college or work network that are normally blocked. The college server monitors IP addresses connected with the college, and forbids these IP addresses from connecting to the banned websites.

If you use a proxy, the server won’t detect that the IP address is one associated with the college or other institution. This way you can access the site you want completely freely. Another example of a specific situation where this is useful is in China, where "the Great Firewall of China" limits access to certain sites. It makes it so that you won’t be able to access any website that has information the Chinese government doesn't approve of or deems inappropriate, such as information about Tiananmen Square, the Falun Gong movement or political dissidents. As a result, China blocks a huge percentage of the Internet. Web proxies like this one help you to get around that problem.

Another example of how a Web Proxy helps is when you want to access a site that only allows visitors from certain countries. For example, the site Hulu will often block people who aren't from countries like the United States or Canada. This means that if you’re in a different country at the time that you want to watch Hulu you will often be out of luck. This is how a web proxy can help. You can choose a proxy with an origin point inside of a country like the United States. This way, Hulu will think that you’re actually from the right country and will allow you access.

Another example of a site where this could matter is the BBC. It often only allows video access from those with a British IP address. So again, all you have to do is find a proxy inside of England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Pros and Cons

The add-on allows you to search for proxies specific to region. It lets you do so completely anonymously. Another big benefit to the service is that you can switch between one proxy and another relatively easily.

The downside to the add-on is that the proxies aren't always reliable. You have to choose the proxies carefully for this reason. It’s also sometimes a problem when it comes to surfing because it can be a slow experience depending on the proxy. It’s a good idea to select proxies based on exactly what you want to do when possible. For example, there are proxies specifically for unblocking Hulu or YouTube.