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Downdetector reported disruption to TunnelBear VPN and VPN Unlimited but none of thebest VPNsappeared to be affected.

It recorded a 350% increase in VPN sign-ups in Pakistan over the two days.

Pakistan flag in front of streetlights

One rule for us, one rule for them?

Pakistan is not the only country experiencing a crackdown on social media and internet use.

VPN usagespiked in Mozambiqueat the end of October due to social media being blocked following waves of anti-government riots.

Graph showing uptick in Proton VPN downloads in Pakistan

The block was to last until 11 November, the day after the elections.

How vital are VPNs?

They are also vital tools for bypassing government restrictions and shutdowns.

Shehbaz Sharif tweet

We are seeing increasing cases of government suppression, which cannot be allowed to become the norm.

People have a right to jump into the internet and use a VPN should they desire.

Proton is committed to fighting online censorship and advocating for privacy rights.

VPN on smartphone in front of Pakistan flag

Broken speech bubble on red background

Flag of Iran flying

Large group of protesters in Turkey following Instanbul mayor�s arrest

The outline of a hand holding a phone, wrapped in barbed wire to indicate censorship

iPhone 16 Pro shown held in hand

A hacker typing quickly on a keyboard

An open lock depicting a data breach

A Hertz car rental center in New York City

NYTimes Connections

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NYT Strands on a cellphone

A bald eagle in The Americas

Diego Luna in Andor season 2 trailer

Anthony Mackie in Captain America: Brave New World

The Pitt