Free VPN licences for human rights activists

VPN licenses will help human rights activists participate in our events safely.

We recognise that in too many places in the world it can be dangerous to be a human rights activist. That’s why we are giving virtual private network (VPN) access to up to 5,000 human rights activists so that they can safely participate in our digital events without leaving a digital footprint.

The VPN is generously provided by TunnelBear, and the license will be valid for 12 months from 1 August 2021 to 31 July 2022. Each license is worth approx €50.

Priority will be given to activists from the global south and nations hostile to LGBTI+ people.

Applications are now closed.

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

What is a VPN?

A VPN is an app that keeps your internet connection private, whether you’re connecting to unsafe public Wi-Fi or your network at home. Having a layer of security that blocks people from watching you browse helps keep you safe online, no matter where you connect from.

Virtual private networks protect you by creating an encrypted “tunnel” that all of your device’s data travels through on its way to the internet. Encryption turns words and data, like text files, into a secret code. If someone tries to read encrypted data without the password, they’ll see random gibberish.