VPN Usage Surges Amid Social Media Restrictions in Pakistan
The demand for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) has surged dramatically in Pakistan as the government imposes stricter controls on social media platforms. On November 25, data from Top10VPN, a platform specializing in VPN reviews, revealed a staggering 102% spike in VPN usage in Pakistan compared to the daily average over the previous 28 days. The demand continued to rise, hitting a 213% increase by November 26.
This surge coincides with reports of restrictions on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, with many users facing difficulty accessing these services. According to Downdetector, a website tracking service disruptions, citizens have faced increasing limitations, especially related to media sharing on WhatsApp, ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned protest demonstrations.
Authorities have yet to provide a clear explanation for the disruptions, leaving many to speculate about the government’s motives. However, it is understood that the government has confirmed plans to disrupt internet services in areas with security concerns, although social media restrictions have not been officially addressed.
As a result, many Pakistanis are turning to VPNs to bypass these restrictions, though accessing social platforms through VPNs comes with its own set of challenges. Many users have reported slower internet speeds, especially in cities across Punjab, including Multan, Rajanpur, Gujrat, and Dera Ghazi Khan, where internet connectivity has been noticeably sluggish.
The rise in VPN usage underscores the growing dependence on these tools to maintain online freedom and access to information amid increasing digital censorship.
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