The internet privacy company Proton has stated that due to restrictions on internet censorship and access to information in Pakistan, demand for VPN services has increased by 600%. It should be noted that VPN is a software that allows access to blocked websites. In the past month, social media websites like Twitter have been facing restrictions in Pakistan, and on February 21, the Sindh High Court ordered the restoration of internet services including Twitter in response to petitions against internet censorship.
Proton, based in Switzerland, has emphasized the importance of providing widespread access to virtual private network services in light of upcoming elections in half the world. VPN can be used to eliminate internet censorship and provide unrestricted access to information.
According to a report by Proton, there has been an extraordinary increase in demand for VPN services in several countries over the past 12 months, with a 4700% increase in Nepal, 600% in Pakistan, 25000% in Gabon, and 100,000% in Senegal.
The company explains that tracking the demand for VPN services is a way to identify government crackdowns. Proton will provide free servers in countries like Venezuela, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Turkey where the demand for VPN services is high.
Proton’s CEO Andy Yen stated in a statement that 2024 will prove to be a seismic year for democracy worldwide, with many countries taking controversial actions to ensure freedom of speech and fair elections.