India
Uttar Pradesh
VPN demand increase: 96%
Context: Pandemic
Date: 31 March 2021
Demand for VPN services almost doubled on March 31 in the Uttar Pradesh region of India. The region’s Epidemic Act was due to expire the same day but was extended until June 30 in the face of a new Covid-19 surge.
Germany
VPN demand increase: 173%
Context: Pandemic
Date: 27-28 March 2021
Demand for VPN services in Germany soared 173% over the weekend of 27-28 March as fears mount over a potentially devastating third wave of coronavirus spreading through the country. Authorities tightened borders and Angela Merkel’s federal government threatened to seize control from states failing to impose the necessary restrictions to reduce Germany’s increasing infection rate. Previous data has shown that demand for VPN services typically increases as greater social restrictions are imposed.
Bangladesh
VPN demand increase: 738%
Context:
Date: 27-28 March 2021
Authorities in Bangladesh blocked Facebook and Facebook Messenger on March 26 amid protests over a state visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modhi. The social media shutdown prompted a 738% spike in demand for VPN services as Bangladeshis sought to circumvent the attempts to quell protests that have sparked clashes with security forces. At least 10 people died as Islamist groups protested Modhi’s treatment of Muslims in India.
India
Karnataka
VPN demand increase: 61%
Context: Pandemic
Date: 16-22 March 2021
Over the week beginning March 16, demand for VPN services in the Karnataka region of India increased by 31% compared to the prior 30-day average. This came a day after possible new lockdown measures were discussed and coincided with the beginning of a new wave of Covid-19 infections.
India
Tamil Nadu
VPN demand increase: 53%
Context: Pandemic
Date: 16-22 March 2021
As Covid-19 cases surged in the Tamil Nadu region of India, VPN demand increased by 31% over the week beginning March 16 compared to the prior 30-day average. During this period political leaders asked authorities to intensify measures and crack down on people violating safety guidelines.
Hong Kong
VPN demand increase: 245%
Context: Elections
Date: 11 March 2021
Demand for VPN services in Hong Kong increased 245% on March 11, the same day that the Chinese legislature approved a resolution tightening control over the city’s electoral system.[5] The new laws ensure that only people deemed “patriots” by a pro-Beijing panel can be elected.
VPN demand had already increased by 27% on March 10, compared to the 30 days prior, before the surge on the day of the vote, which was almost three-and-a-half times the average of the previous 30 days.
India
Maharashtra
VPN demand increase: 109%
Context: Pandemic
Date: 10 March 2021
The 109% increase in VPN demand compared to the seven days prior coincided with warnings of Covid-19 cases rising and a potential new lockdown. This came the day before Mahashivratri and the issue of new government safety guidelines for the annual Hindu festival.
Senegal
VPN demand increase: 4,200%
Context: Protests
Date: 04-05 March 2021
Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Telegram were after protests against the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko turned violent. One person was killed in the clashes with police on March 4. VPN demand surged by over 1,000% that day compared to the prior seven-day average. As of March 5, demand has now risen by over 4,200% compared to the same prior period.