Significant surge demonstrates rising reliance on VPNs to dodge tightening digital restrictions in the country.
In Pakistan, the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) has increased significantly as a result of more stringent social media regulations.
When compared to the average daily demand over the preceding 28 days, the demand for VPN services in Pakistan increased by an astounding 102% on November 25, according to Top10VPN, an independent platform that specialises in VPN reviews.
This notable increase demonstrates the increasing use of VPNs to get around more stringent online regulations.
November 26 saw a further increase in VPN demand, rising 213% above the baseline.
The increase coincided with claims that authorities had blocked the sharing of media on WhatsApp before of the protest marches by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
According to Downdetector.com, a website that notifies users when there is a disruption on social media platforms or websites, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and other platforms are experiencing disturbances in Pakistan.
Since there is now no official explanation for why access is blocked, citizens have voiced their frustration over the disruptions. Social media sites function better when accessed after a VPN has been activated.
There was no comment regarding social media platforms, but the authorities had acknowledged that they intended to interfere with internet connections in places where security was an issue.
Slow Internet is another issue users are dealing with as they use VPNs to access social media sites.
In a number of Punjabi cities, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Gujrat, and Multan, internet services have been interrupted. People who live in these places are complaining about having trouble using online services.