Proton AG, a Swiss firm that specialises in privacy-focused online services like VPNs, has announced that it will offer free VPN servers in numerous countries.
This would include countries known for government-imposed censorship during sensitive times, such as Pakistan.
VPN use in Pakistan
Proton also provided disturbing figures on VPN use in Pakistan, highlighting the extent of the country’s online restrictions.
According to Proton’s study, VPN use in Pakistan has increased by up to 6000% as a result of political and civil upheaval.
Banned of X (previously Twitter)
Even a month after the general elections, social media website X (previously Twitter) remains generally inaccessible in Pakistan.
As a result of the ban on X and a slew of other important websites in Pakistan, a large number of people are turning to VPNs to bypass the restrictions.
Faces Coercive Censorship
However, Pakistan is not the only country that faces coercive censorship. According to Proton’s research, VPN demand in Nepal has surged by 4,700 percent.
These figures pale in comparison to those from other countries. Gabon has experienced a startling 25,000% growth, while Senegal has seen a 100,000% surge.
In a year when almost half of the world’s population will vote, Proton emphasised the critical necessity to provide widespread access to virtual private network (VPN) services.
These services allow people to circumvent internet censorship and access information freely. Proton said that it would offer free servers in Venezuela, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.
Proton CEO Andy Yen said in a statement:
2024 is set to be a seismic year for democracy around the world. Many of the countries holding elections have a questionable track record for free speech and a free electoral process.
Protecting free speech and fighting censorship is a core part of our mission and we’re committed to doing what we can to help voters around the world exercise their fundamental rights.
To read our blog on “VPN usage hikes by 846% due to ban on social media platforms,” click here