- Argentinians are reportedly turning to VPN services
- Proton VPN and Windscribe have both seen increases in interest
- This coincides with the blocking of two major illegal streaming sites
People in Argentina are turning to VPN services as the government cracks down on illegal streaming.
Two popular brands, Proton VPN and Windscribe, both started registering an increase in interest from the country on Monday. The latest Google Trends data confirms the trend, showing an increase in searches for the term ‘VPN’, which peaked on Tuesday.
The move follows the government’s decision to permanently block two popular pirated streaming platforms at the beginning of the month.
Why are Argentines flocking to VPNs?
Local media reports that authorities recently blocked over 70 domains used to access the two illegal services. Google has also been forced to disable the associated apps on all Android devices connecting from Argentine IP addresses.
Virtual Private Networks (VPN) have rapidly increased in popularity as people seek to mask their real IP address and secure their data online.
Proton VPN first shared a Google Trends graph on X showing interest in its product rising dramatically in Argentina on Tuesday. The following day, Windscribe shared data showing an increase in sign-ups from the country and suggesting that authorities may be restricting “internet freedom”.
In addition to their paid services, both providers offer secure free VPN plans, making them popular solutions after sudden website blocks.
David Peterson, General Manager at Proton VPN, confirmed to TechRadar that its service is the most downloaded free app in countries like Argentina right now. Still, “due to our strict no-logs policy, we have no insight into what people are using our service for,” he added.
Nevertheless, Peterson is concerned as people also seem to download the first VPN they can find. “Some of the most popular VPNs in Argentina and Latin America currently carry serious security and privacy issues,” he said, warning that this creates legal and personal risk for users.
Windscribe CEO Yegor Sak also told TechRadar that the team continues to see “increased enrollments from Argentina.”
However, Sak believes that instead of blocking the Internet, the authorities should take the time to fix an “outdated licensing model” that contributes to the existence of piracy.
“If there are reasonably priced options to watch any kind of content, in any region, the need to pirate would disappear for a lot of people,” he said, arguing that “it’s time for bureaucracy to catch up with modern reality.”
Can VPNs be targeted?
The blocking of the two platforms – Magis TV and Xuper TV – is part of an international investigation led by the Brazilian Ministry of Justice called “Operation 404”. Other efforts have included the seizure of hundreds of TV boxes, with those responsible for their distribution now facing up to six years in prison.
Attempting to access these platforms is not only legally risky, but also a significant cybersecurity threat. Experts have found that apps linked to the platforms often originate from questionable external sources and can facilitate the spread of malware. Therefore, extreme caution is required.
Although VPN services are not currently a target of Argentine authorities, this may change. Last year, France’s anti-piracy campaigns turned their attention to VPN providers and – following a landmark ruling in May – five major brands were ordered to block over 200 illegal streaming sites. It remains to be seen whether the authorities in Argentina will follow suit.
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone the use of a VPN service to break the law or carry out illegal activities. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
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