- Gabon blocks Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and WhatsApp
- Authorities cite fake news, cyberbullying and data breaches as motives
- VPN demand has increased as citizens look for solutions
Residents of Gabon are turning to VPN services to stay online after the government imposed an indefinite ban on all major social media platforms. Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed on Wednesday that Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and WhatsApp are currently restricted.
Google Trends data shows that search volume for “VPN” began to increase on Tuesday night, followed by a sharp increase on Wednesday morning as residents searched for tools to bypass the blocks.
Proton VPN confirmed a massive increase in sign-ups from the country. General Manager David Peterson told TechRadar that consumption is currently 8,000% above the daily average, “and still rising.”
Peterson noted that Gabon has a history of digital blackouts during politically sensitive periods, with current events following a similar trend seen in 2023, when Proton VPN recorded sign-up increases of up to 25,000%.
In a televised announcement on Tuesday, Jean-Claude Mendome – spokesman for the High Communications Authority (HAC) – announced the immediate suspension of social networks to prevent “the spread of false information”. He also argued that the measures were necessary to protect national unity and prevent social conflict.
The ban coincides with a wave of cost-of-living protests that began in December.
Digital rights experts are not convinced by the official explanation. Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn Global Campaign Manager at Access Now, told TechRadar that the real reason behind these blocks is “to stifle protest and silence dissent.”
She added that it is “disappointing” to see the current administration resort to the same Internet shutdown tactics used by previous regimes.
Anthonio explained that blocking access to social media is a “flagrant violation of fundamental rights” that affects everything from keeping in touch with loved ones to conducting business online.
“We call on the government to set a new standard for internet access across the country – enabling people to connect, inform and exercise their rights online,” she said.
Can Gabonese citizens still get online?
VPNs currently do not appear to be restricted. “So far we have not observed any attempts to block VPNs in Gabon. Proton remains fully accessible even without using the Stealth protocol,” Peterson said.
To help document the extent of the censorship, Anthonio is encouraging people in Gabon to install and run the OONI Probe app. This tool allows users to document which specific platforms are restricted, creating critical evidence for future accountability.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
