Proton VPN Observatory (2023)

Documenting spikes in Proton VPN use as people fight for online freedom.

Nepal - November 13, 2023

4,700% increase in signups

Social media restrictions - The Nepali government announced on November 13th that TikTok would be banned. The move comes after authorities issued a directive tightening content regulation on all social media sites.

Azerbaijan - September 20, 2023

2,500% increase in signups

Increase in Sign-ups in Azerbaijan following an offensive launched in Nagorno-Karabakh region with bombing raids hitting the regional capital of Stepanakert.

Gabon - August 25, 2023

25,000% increase in signups

Sign-ups in Gabon continue to spike for a fourth day with daily sign-ups currently 25,000% above baseline. A clear cause has yet to be confirmed but it’s possible users are signing up ahead of the national elections on August 26, 2023.

Senegal - July 31, 2023

2,800% increase in signups

Public protests and internet restrictions - Senegalese authorities restricted internet access, reportedly in response to violent protests following the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. TikTok was subsequently blocked on August 2 coinciding with a second spike as protests continued.

Senegal - June 2, 2023

100,000% increase in signups

Public protest and social media restrictions - In early June, social media platforms were restricted (including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Telegram and more), reportedly due to political events in the country.

Turkey - May 13, 2023

2,100% increase in signups

Presidential elections in Turkey - There was reportedly fear of potential censorship and internet shutdowns ahead of the presidential elections in the country.

Pakistan - May 9, 2023

6,000% increase in signups

Arrest of former Prime Minister and protests - On May 9, paramilitary troops found their way into a courthouse in Islamabad to arrest former Prime Minister Imran Khan after months of ongoing political turmoil in the country.

Ethiopia - February 9, 2023

3,000% increase in signups

Internet censorship and social media platforms blocked - Ethiopian authorities have blocked people in the country from accessing selected social media platforms for months.

Turkey - February 8, 2023

15,000% increase in signups

Criticism of disaster response - In the aftermath of the earthquake, access to Twitter was reportedly temporarily restricted by the Turkish government.

Proton VPN's mission is to ensure freedom of speech and fight online censorship everywhere. We're proud to stand up for online freedom and enable people to access a free and open internet.