Proton VPN Observatory (2024)
Documenting spikes in Proton VPN use as people fight for online freedom.
2024 stands to be the biggest year for democracy in history as around 50% of the global population is set to go to the polls this year. Unfortunately, many of the countries holding elections have a history of undermining democratic practices and endangering fundamental human rights. In addition to our usual work to protect free speech around the world, this year Proton VPN will provide free servers in countries holding elections that have a history of censorship or election tampering, allowing the local population to bypass any potential government censorship and misinformation.
ongoing
Mauritius - November 1, 2024
+182,890% increase over baseline
Mauritius blocked access to social media, days ahead of a general election as tensions mounted over a wire-tapping scandal. The blockage is due to last until November 11 - a day after the general elections in the country.
ongoing
Mozambique - October 31, 2024
+127,830% increase over baseline
Presidential elections in Mozambique - Mozambique blocked social media access as the opposition called for nationwide strikes over the disputed presidential election.
Turkey - October 23, 2024
+1400% increase over baseline
Turkish authorities blocked several social media platforms following a terror attack on a Turkish aerospace company.
Brazil - August 19, 2024
+1840% increase over baseline
Sign ups to Proton VPN spiked following reports that X was to exit the country due to legal battles with a Brazilian judge over the platform’s responsibilities regarding content moderation.
Venezuela - August 9, 2024
+51000% increase over baseline
The Venezuelan President announced on Thursday 8 the block of social media platform X for 10 days and called for a boycott of Whatsapp, after earlier saying social media was used to incite violence following the country's contested presidential election.
Turkey - August 3, 2024
+4500% increase over baseline
Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority, BTK, the national communications regulatory agency, blocked access to Instagram on Friday without stating the duration of the ban.
Venezuela - July 30, 2024
+13000% increase over baseline
Presidential elections in Venezuela - protest in the country following the disputed presidential election held on July 28. Reported block of several media platforms and report of potential block of X (formerly Twitter) in the country.
Bangladesh - July 31, 2024
+40000% increase over baseline
Internet, mobile phone and TV broadcast services were cut off in Bangladesh amid anti-government protests. Authorities in the country have imposed a nationwide curfew, after further rioting in the capital Dhaka.
Kenya - June 25, 2024
6400% increase over baseline
Ongoing public anger and nationwide demonstrations over the government’s plans to raise more than $2bn in new taxes.
Myanmar - May 30, 2024
2700% increase over baseline
Ongoing turmoil in the country since February 2021, after the Myanmar military overthrew a democratically elected government. The Myanmar military is battling to hold on to power amid protracted civil war.
New Caledonia - May 15, 2024
2500% increase in signups
State of emergency declared: France imposed a state of emergency, deployed troops and banned TikTok amid riots over electoral reform.
Mozambique - May 8, 2024
800% increase in signups
General elections: A new candidate of the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) has been confirmed for the next presidential election in October. This decision has curtailed a crisis that could have emanated from the current President running for an unconstitutional third term.
Kyrgyzstan - April 18, 2024
2800% increase in signups
Social media block: Kyrgyzstan appears to have blocked TikTok after the Central Asian country's security services called to restrict the social media app to "protect children", building censorship fears.
Brazil - April 7, 2024
600% increase in signups
Brazil Supreme Court judge opens inquiry into Musk: A Supreme Court judge in Brazil ordered an investigation Sunday of Elon Musk after he criticized the magistrate and accused him of censorship for blocking social media accounts suspected of spreading disinformation. There is reportedly a fear of X being potentially shut down in Brazil.
Spain - March 23, 2024
400% increase in signups
Temporary Telegram block: Spain's High Court has ordered the suspension of messaging app Telegram's services in the country after media companies complained it was allowing users to upload their content without permission, according to a court source.
Senegal - February 4, 2024
800% increase in signups
Presidential elections in Senegal - Police in Senegal cracked down on protests in the capital Dakar after the President announced the indefinite postponement of the presidential election initially scheduled for February 25. The government reportedly cut the signal of a private television channel broadcasting the protests.
Pakistan - January 6, 2024
400% increase in signups
Social media blackout - Complete social media blackout in the country resulting in nationwide internet outage. This incident marked the second time in recent months that internet services were disrupted during an online event planned by PTI.
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.