ISLAMABAD: The demand for VPNs or Virtual Private Networks has more than tripled across the country following further tightening of restrictions on social media.
Top10VPN, an independent VPN review website, noted that VPN service demand in Pakistan increased by 102 percent on November 25, compared to the daily average of the previous 28 days. VPN demand increased further on November 26, reaching 213% from baseline.
The increase comes amid reports that authorities had banned WhatsApp media sharing ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf protests.
WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and other platforms are facing disruptions in Pakistan, showed Downdetector.com, a website that reports any disruptions on social platforms or websites.
Citizens have expressed frustration over the barriers as there is still no official version of why access is restricted.
Social platforms work better when accessed after VPNs are activated.
The government had confirmed that it planned to disrupt internet services in areas of security concern, but did not comment on social media platforms. As people access social media platforms through VPNs, they also face another hurdle: slow internet.
Internet service is disrupted in many cities across Punjab, including Multan, Rajanpur, Gujarat and Dera Ghazi Khan. Residents of these areas are reporting difficulties in accessing online services.