After the devastating earthquake on January 6 that hit Turkey and Syria, millions of Turkish internet users were unable to connect to Twitter. In question, the criticisms made to the Turkish power about its reaction after the natural disaster.
To bypass this blocking of Internet access, many Internet users have chosen to use a VPN. The tool allows you to locate your Internet network in another country. VPNs are, for example, used by some fans of series and movies to access the foreign catalog of streaming platforms.
Usage spikes in several hundred thousand Internet users
Following the censorship of Twitter in Turkey – finally reinstated the next day – virtual private network service provider Proton VPN has seen a significant increase in its number of registrations per hour, with an increase of more than 30,000% above the levels normal, the company told Tech&Co.
an unprecedented situation
However, this is not the first time that Turkish internet users have flocked to VPNs. In November 2022, Proton VPN also saw a 600% increase in the number of registrations in the country after a deadly explosion in Istanbul. Then various social networks such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter were restricted.
“It is essential to keep internet access free and uncensored. This is especially true in times of crisis, when people rely on online platforms to share information with friends, loved ones and the wider community. Proton VPN is committed to do everything in their power to protect free access to information for everyone, no matter who they are or where they are,” said Andy Yen, CEO and founder of Proton.
Other geopolitical crises also caused a spike in Proton VPN subscriptions. The outbreak of the war in the Ukraine had led to 9000% more registrations in Russia. The same significant increases after the demonstrations in Iran or the presidential elections in Brazil that had allowed the registration of 5,000% and 2,000% of new registrations, respectively.
Source: BFM TV
