- Proton VPN has recorded a 1,200% increase in sign-ups from Iraq
- This comes as Iraq blocked the messaging app Telegram in major cities
- Proton warns against sketchy free VPNs that could put users’ data at risk
A sweeping ban on popular messaging app Telegram across Iraq has sent citizens scrambling for digital solutions, resulting in a massive 1,200% increase in sign-ups for one of the best VPN apps on the market.
General Manager of Proton VPN, David Peterson, first shared details on X about the increase in usage of the free VPN service from Friday (April 3). “Proton VPN usage in Iraq is now at an all-time high and continues to rise rapidly,” Peterson wrote Monday.
Speaking directly to TechRadar on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Proton VPN confirmed that usage “continues to increase.” Google Trends data also highlights a sharp increase in searches for the term ‘VPN’ originating from Iraq.
“This increase is likely linked to the complete blocking of Telegram across the country, which comes amid heightened tensions between the Iraqi government and various non-state actors,” Proton told TechRadar.
According to local reports from Shafaq News, the Telegram outage has hit major Iraqi cities hard, although the Kurdistan region currently remains unaffected. The blackout is reportedly a deliberate effort by the Iraqi government to curb the activity of armed groups operating in the country.
Proton warns against ‘opportunistic’ apps
By masking a user’s real IP address and routing their Internet traffic through a secure server in another country, a virtual private network (VPN) easily bypasses these local network blocks. However, not all VPNs are created equal, which means quality matters more than a quick, free fix.
Security experts at Proton are deeply concerned about exactly which services citizens choose to install on their devices.
“For people in Iraq looking to circumvent the ongoing Telegram ban, we urge caution when downloading a VPN,” Proton told TechRadar, adding that some users in Iraq reportedly fail to verify the legitimacy of the services they install.
App stores are flooded with insecure, free VPNs that promise unlimited internet access. But these applications often come with a serious hidden cost.
“At times like these, opportunistic VPN providers often see an increase in downloads from users who may not be aware of which services are secure,” Proton said. “In Iraq, we see that many of the most frequently downloaded VPNs are linked to entities based in China, often with deliberately hidden ownership, or to providers who monetize user data through third-party sales.”
This is not an isolated incident for the Swiss provider. Proton regularly monitors global censorship events, having previously noted massive download spikes in 62 countries during times of political unrest. To keep up with demand in limited areas, Proton has recently expanded its server network to offer more connectivity options.
Anyone trying to bypass the blockade should stick to verified, independently audited providers rather than risking their personal data on an unknown application. “As always, it’s important to carefully assess the credentials and credibility of any VPN before downloading,” Proton said.
In addition to Proton VPN Free, other secure freebies include Windscribe Free, Privado VPN Free, and Amnezia VPN Free.
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!
