VPN demand hikes by 6000% in Pakistan after internet censorship

Pakistan has witnessed an unprecedented surge of 6000 percent in the usage of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) after the intermittent period of internet censorship in the country, internet privacy company Proton said on Thursday.

VPN is a software that allows access to users to reach websites suspended by the authorities. Pakistan has been facing the ban on popular microblogging site X for weeks, prompting citizens to seek an alternative means to access the restricted site.

The Switzerland-based company said that half of the world's countries were going to enter elections in the current year and the need for VPN service surged more than the previous year. 

At the time, VPN has been playing a crucial role in dealing with internet censorship and ensuring access to unfiltered information.

Proton shared a report showcasing a significant rise in VPN demand across various countries. 

The report showed that Gabon topped the list with 25,000 percent, followed by Nepal Pakistan 6,000 percent and Nepal 4,700 percent.

According to Proton, countries like Venezuela, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Turkey, facing similar challenges to internet freedom.

“2024 would appear as a seismic year for democracy around the world,” Proton’s Chief Anday Yen said in a statement.  

"Many of the countries holding elections have a questionable track record for free speech and a free electoral process," he added.