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VPN usage in Russia is on the rise as government tightens internet controls


Russia has tightened control over its internet. Authorities blocked access to Meta-owned Facebook and restricted access to Twitter.

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Russians are turning to virtual private networks to bypass the country’s tightening internet controls following the invasion of Ukraine.

VPNs can mask the identity and location of internet users to help them access blocked websites and services.

The top 10 VPN apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia totaled nearly 6 million downloads since February 24, the day the invasion startedthrough March 8, according to data from SensorTower compiled for CNBC.

This has increased by 1,500% when compared to the top 10 VPN apps over the previous 13-day period.

The Russian Internet has been censored for many years, although major American platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Google have been provided for free, unlike in China where they are completely blocked. However, these companies have operate under the risk of being blockedespecially if they host content deemed critical of the Kremlin.

However, President Vladimir Putin has recently sought to tighten the Internet even further. In 2019, Russia enacts “sovereign Internet” law giving authorities wide-ranging powers to try to disconnect their internet from the rest of the world. At the time, Russia said the law was designed to strengthen its ability to protect against cyberattacks.

As the invasion continues, Russia is looking to further restrict access to foreign internet platforms. Meta-owned Facebook is blocked on March 4, while access to Twitter is limited.

On March 5, the demand for VPNs increased more than 10 times the average, according to Top10VPNa site of reviews and data.

A spokesperson for SensorTower told CNBC via email: “As various companies have begun restricting access to their products in Russia, VPN apps have experienced a spike in adoption across the world. market as Russian users try to get around these restrictions.”

“Installs of VPN apps are likely to continue to grow as restrictions continue to increase. For now, markets like Apple’s App Store and Google Play are still available – however, that’s very likely may change in the future.”

VPN company Surfshark says its weekly sales in Russia increased by 3,500% since February 24, with the biggest spike recorded between March 5 and March 6 when Facebook was blocked.

“Such rapid growth means that people living in Russia are actively looking for ways to avoid government surveillance and censorship,” a Surfshark spokesperson told CNBC.

Meanwhile, Twitter has launched a version of its website on Tora service that encrypts internet traffic to help conceal users’ identities and prevent surveillance on them.

While Russia moved to block services, a growing list of tech companies decided to suspend corporate operations.

This month, Netflix and Apple among one long list of technology companies has suspended sales or services in Russia.





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