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A Web proxy allows you to retrieve a Web site even when direct access to that site is blocked at your location. Typically, a Web proxy features a form where you submit the URL of a site that you want to view. The proxy then shows you the page, but prevents a direct connection between you and the requested Web site. 

When using a Web proxy, you do not have to install software or change settings on your computer. Instead, you go to the URL of the Web proxy, then enter the URL you wish to visit, and click the "submit" button (or equivalent). A Web proxy can be used from any computer, including those in Internet cafés. 

Examples of free Web proxies include CGIProxy, PHProxy and Zelune. All of them provide the same basic functionality, but some are better at providing certain functions, such as access to videos. These and other Web proxy programs, like Glype, Psiphon, Picidae and bblocked, are software programs that may be run on many different computers.

You can find lists of Web proxies on sites like http://www.proxy.org/, by joining the mailing list at http://www.peacefire.org/circumventor/, or just by searching for "free Web proxy" in any search engine.

(If you are in a country with unrestricted Internet access and you are willing to help others get around censorship, you can install a Web proxy script on your own Web site or on your home computer.)

Proxy.org lists literally thousands of free Web proxies:

There are also private Web proxies. These are usually known only to a small group of contacts of the individual running the proxy. They may be useful in special circumstances, when you need to be sure to be able to access specific types of content or need the privacy offered by a proxy operated by someone you trust.

Advantages and Risks

Web proxies are easy to use -- you don't need to install any software, you can use a public Web proxy even if you don't have a trusted contact in an unfiltered location. Private Web proxies can be customized to meet the specific needs of users and are less likely to be discovered and blocked by any filtering authorities.

But Web proxies have potential disadvantages. They often allow only Web traffic (HTTP), so they can't be used for other services such as e-mail or instant messaging. Many cannot use multimedia (such as YouTube) or be used with encryption (SSL). Web services that require authentication (such as Web-based e-mail) may not be fully functional through Web proxies or may make you vulnerable to having your passwords or other information monitored or stolen.

Web proxies also can be blocked or intercepted. The addresses of public Web proxies are generally well known and access to them may be blocked. Private Web proxies require that a user have a contact in an unfiltered location. Unencrypted communications with Web proxies can be intercepted by network operators, thus keyword filtering may still work against unencrypted Web proxies.

Web proxy users also need to keep in mind that the operators of their Web proxies can read their communications and record the IP address from which the Web proxy was used. If that information would put you at risk, you should consider your choice of proxy carefully.