Virtual private networks, or VPNs, mask your public IP address so you can make apps and websites think youre in a different city, state, or even country. Theyre great tools for general privacy, streaming foreign Netflix libraries, or circumventing censorship. However, VPNs may not function correctly in certain situations, like when traveling to a country where VPNs are frowned upon.NordVPNs new NordWhisper protocol aims to bypass VPN blocks to provide privacy in more places. If youre traveling to a country where VPNs are frowned upon or trying to use a virtual private network on school Wi-Fi, NordWhisper may be the right protocol for you.NordWhisper masquerades as standard web traffic in an attempt to slip through filtersWhen you use a VPN, the protocol you pick establishes an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. VPN protocols determine how your device talks to the server, and, like other methods of communication, there are different benefits. WireGuard and its derivatives, including NordVPNs NordLynx, offer speedier encryption, while OpenVPN is slower but regarded as more robust. The aptly named NordWhisper tries to disguise the fact that youre using a VPN by impersonating traditional web traffic. Because it utilizes web tunnel technology, the secure connection might be more effective at slipping through network filters. Initially, NordLynx is available on Windows, Android and Linux, with more device support to follow.Obfuscated servers -- which Nord has -- attempt to accomplish a similar feat, although some internet networks may have VPN-specific blocking in place. Because it appears like regular web traffic, NordWhisper might work in countries or on internet networks that dont play nicely with VPNs. If youve tried traditional obfuscation unsuccessfully, switching to NordWhisper may let you keep your VPN enabled. For instance, if youre connected to your schools Wi-Fi and want your VPN on for privacy, NordWhisper may be worth a try.In a press release, NordVPN CTO Marijus Briedis said, We designed NordWhisper with our users in mind. Its not just about getting around network restrictions; its about empowering people to work, communicate, and access essential services securely and freely, even in the most restrictive environments.Although NordWhisper may be more effective at circumventing VPN restrictions than OpenVPN or the companys proprietary NordLynx protocol, it may slow down your internet connection. All VPNs slow your internet download speeds somewhat, but the fastest VPNs have a nearly unnoticeable effect. If you want to stream BBC iPlayer, Netflix or Disney Plus in 4K, youll likely want to skip NordWhisper in favor of NordLynx.Notably, Nord isnt alone in rolling out advanced VPN protocols with the intent of avoiding VPN restrictions. Proton VPNs Stealth protocol also tries to mask a VPN connection as regular web traffic.For more on virtual private networks, heres how to use a VPN on various platforms and a guide to common VPN terms.