The number of virtual private network (VPN) users in Russia has skyrocketed since the country invaded Ukraine in late February 2022, according to new reports.
In a report on how Russians circumvent censorship and media scrutiny in the country, The Washington Post says daily downloads of the 10 most popular VPNs have jumped from around 15 in mid-February to 000. in march.
Even today, daily downloads hit the 300.000 mark, according to the Washington Post, citing data from data intelligence platform Apptopia.
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But Apptopia is not the only source claiming an increase in VPN demand, even Russian telecom operators have confirmed the trend. Apparently, in early April, Yota said that the number of VPN users in the country had increased 50 times compared to January.
Digital rights group The Internet Protection Society also recently launched a VPN service and reached its 300.000 user limit in 10 days. This group, the publication says, has close ties to Alexei Navalny, one of Putin's most prominent competitors.
Russia has always ruled the Internet with an iron fist, but since the invasion began, control over Western media and browsing sites has tightened further. Sites like Facebook and Instagram have also been banned, and it seems only a matter of time before YouTube bites the dust as well.
To dissuade Russia from war and put pressure on the country, Western countries imposed heavy sanctions, including removing the country from the SWIFT payment system, making most credit cards obsolete in the country.
It also made it a bit difficult to purchase VPNs. While some use free VPN services, these can sometimes be of poor quality. Those who still want a business solution paid through friends in third countries or through cryptocurrencies.
Some VPN providers accept direct payments in cryptocurrencies.
Via: Washington Post