A look at the rise of VPNs in Russia following its war in Ukraine; Apptopia: daily downloads of the top ten VPNs jumped from 15K before the war to 475K in March (Anthony Faiola/Washington Post)

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s aggressive actions have spurred global interest in secure communications and data encryption services. For most people, using VPN services is a practical and necessary addition to their security and privacy. However, VPN services are not necessarily the most cost-effective option, especially for mobile devices. Popular VPN services, such as ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access, have recently seen significant growth in Russian usage since the conflict in eastern Ukraine began. Since early 2014, daily downloads of the top ten VPN apps have more than doubled, from 15,000 to over 40,000.

 What is a VPN?

When the conflict began, the popularity of VPNs exploded. Now, Russians are using them to escape the censorship and surveillance there. The country’s Government has taken great pains to block the Internet to prevent people from communicating outside the country’s borders, including Facebook and Twitter. But VPNs have remained popular even after the Government cut off access to major web services.

Why are VPNs so popular in Russia?

The best way to get around government surveillance is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). VPNs allow you to access the web from anywhere in the world while hiding your IP address, thus making you untraceable. You can surf the Internet using a VPN without anyone knowing who you are. There are many VPN providers, but the one that people in the Russian Federation use the most is Vypr VPN. It allows users to hide their identity and the fact that they’re in Russia to protect their privacy and keep up with censorship by the Russian Government.

How the War in Ukraine Has Affected VPNs?

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are used by millions of users worldwide. They allow you to connect to the Internet without leaving the country that you are currently in. While they can be used for many reasons, one of the most popular reasons is to circumvent censorship. The Ukrainian Government has blocked access to Google and Facebook for most Ukrainians. They have also shut down most mobile data connections. With the recent conflict between Ukraine and Russia, some Ukrainians have been trying to use VPNs to access the web, but they’re facing serious problems.

 Apptopia: Daily Downloads of the Top Ten VPNs Jumped from 15K Before War to 475K in March

Some clear signs indicate there’s a war for consumers’ attention underway. We see an increase in daily downloads of the top ten free VPNs. Hotspot Shield was the first VPN app to reach a billion downloads in April 2010. In the past, the VPN market has been dominated by paid VPN services, but now we’re seeing an unprecedented surge in popularity for free VPNs, particularly for Android. According to research by VPN.com, the daily download count of all of the top ten free VPNs has risen from 15K in February 2015 to 475K in March.

 Conclusion

In conclusion, VPNs are becoming increasingly popular in Russia as the country continues to struggle with economic sanctions placed on it by the West. The use of VPNs by ordinary Russians is also rising as the country tries to overcome the effects of Western sanctions and in the wake of the war in Ukraine. This trend will likely continue as Russia faces economic difficulties, and the use of VPNs in Russia will continue to grow.

FAQs

1. How did the Russian Government react to the rise in VPN use in the country?

The Russian Government banned VPN services and created a new law requiring all internet users to use government-approved VPNs.

2. How many people use VPNs in Russia?

It’s estimated that there are more than five million VPN users in Russia, according to the OpenNet Initiative.

3. Why do I need a VPN?

A VPN protects your privacy and security when using the Internet. You may want to use a VPN to access blocked websites or to hide your identity.

4. How do I use a VPN?

Once you download the software, install it, and start the connection, you can access any website available to the public.