VPN Surge in Bangladesh Amid Violent Protests

In the wake of escalating violent protests in Bangladesh, a massive surge in Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage has been witnessed as citizens strived to circumvent government-imposed internet restrictions.

Earlier this month, two groups of students with opposing political views came into conflict at a public university outside of Bangladesh’s capital. The clash, which occurred on July 15, left dozens of students hurt and at least five people killed. Despite the police’s intervention, demonstrations escalated in different locations, leading the authorities to implement a curfew and stringent controls on internet access across the nation on July 19.

The aim of limiting access to social media platforms and news websites in this scenario is usually to restrict communication among protesters and prevent the dissemination of information that could incite further unrest. However, such restrictions have inadvertently fueled a surge in VPN usage as citizens seek alternative means to access blocked content and communicate securely.

The vpnMentor research team found an astonishing 5016% increase in VPN demand in Bangladesh during the past week, starting on Monday, July 22, and reaching its peak on Thursday, July 25, three days later. After the situation de-escalated, broadband internet was restored, and VPN demand started to go back down on July 25 and to the date of this publication remains still in high numbers of over 2500%.

VPNs offer users the ability to bypass imposed firewalls by encrypting their internet traffic and routing it through servers located in other countries. This enables individuals to mask their true IP addresses and access websites that are otherwise restricted within their region. As a result, VPNs became an essential tool for many Bangladeshis looking to maintain their online freedom while the temporary restrictions were in place.

Past VPN Demand Growths

The vpnMentor research team has recorded several similar VPN demand spikes related to protests, social media suspensions, and restricted access to certain apps or websites.

For instance, in March 2024, VPN demand in Spain skyrocketed by 330% a day before an opposition protest in Madrid. Two weeks later, Spain saw another spike in VPN demand, this time by 150%, after a court ruling temporarily banned Telegram in the country.

vpnMentor neither encourages nor condones using VPNs for illegal activities, such as bypassing laws or regulations.