In an unprecedented spike, Virtual Private Network (VPN) demand in Turkey has skyrocketed, as reported by Free Web Turkey referencing a Techopedia study. The demand for VPNs in the country surged by a staggering 99%, a number that is hard to overlook. This increase is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a wider global trend observed in several countries facing human rights concerns and severe internet censorship like Senegal, Ethiopia, and Brazil. VPNs, offering a semblance of online anonymity and a way to elude government surveillance, have become the go-to solution for individuals striving to maintain their privacy. The compelling increase in VPN usage is primarily to avoid the prying eyes of the authorities, with a significant 20% of users striving to conceal their online footprints.
The Root of the Surge
Turkey’s ebbing internet freedom has necessitated VPN usage to bypass pervasive censorship, as stated by Freedom House’s classification of Turkey’s internet as “not free.” The government heavily polices online content, curbing dissent and discussions that cast officials in a negative light. This has compelled Turkish netizens to turn to alternative avenues like social media for free information.Yet, recent social media laws have tightened control, mandating platforms to appoint Turkish representatives and honor content removal requests, or face dire consequences like ad bans and bandwidth reductions for noncompliance. Notably, the BTK has blocked 16 VPN providers, further stifling avenues for uncensored internet access. The Techopedia study concurs, indicating a surge in individual VPN reliance as a means to retain digital freedom and access uncurtailed information amidst increasing online restrictions.
