The technology of VPN works great for circumventing censorship. VPN can be blocked, but it's a game of whack a mole between the state and private actors.
The main vulnerability in hosted VPN is that the provider has the ability to sell you out if law enforcement comes knocking. Picking a trusted provider is key.
Alternatively, there's TOR but that isn't perfect either, as anyone may participate in the network.
The technology of VPN works great for circumventing censorship. VPN can be blocked, but it's a game of whack a mole between the state and private actors. The main vulnerability in hosted VPN is that the provider has the ability to sell you out if law enforcement comes knocking. Picking a trusted provider is key. Alternatively, there's TOR but that isn't perfect either, as anyone may participate in the network.