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The digital landscape in 2023 and 2024 has been marked by intensified efforts to control information flow in various countries. However, as governments erect higher walls of censorship, internet users are increasingly turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) to reclaim their freedom.
Here at PureVPN, we’re constantly on the pulse of internet freedom. Through anonymized data analysis and user feedback, we gain unique insights into the global fight against online censorship.
Recently, a trend emerged that caught our attention – a significant rise in PureVPN usage in countries with strict internet regulations, which highlights the critical role of VPNs in today’s fight for digital liberty. That’s not all, the report by VPNRanks correlates with the demand for PureVPN and accessing an open internet. Continue reading as we explore how PureVPN is meeting the users’ demands.
Read more: How geopolitical tensions are reshaping the online landscape and fueling the rise of VPNs
Global Trends and Market Growth
The global VPN market is experiencing robust growth, fueled by increasing concerns over online privacy, cybersecurity threats, and the need for open internet access. According to The Business Research Company, the market is expected to grow from $53.23 billion in 2023 to $62.73 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.8%.
Source: VPNRanks
It is also estimated that by the year 2028, the VPN market will grow to $125.94 billion, maintaining a CAGR of 19.0% and continuing at the same rate until 2033. It is mostly driven by factors such as remote work adoption, access to global content, a shift towards remote working, and stringent data privacy regulations.
Source: Exploding Topics
First-Ever AI-Driven Analysis Of VPN Service Providers
VPNRanks has introduced a groundbreaking approach to VPN service evaluation with its first-ever AI-driven analysis report. It is designed to simplify the complex decision-making process involved in selecting the best VPN solutions.
It leverages advanced artificial intelligence techniques and user-centric data to guide the growing VPN user base looking for a secure internet space. This report provides more accurate insights into VPN services’ performance and user satisfaction.
The VPNScore, developed by VPNRanks, evaluates VPNs based on comprehensive user feedback and data analysis. This metric incorporates overall satisfaction scores derived from user reviews, providing a holistic view of each VPN service’s performance across key metrics like ease of use, setup simplicity, meeting user requirements, and quality of support.
As a matter of fact, PureVPN scored a global VPNScore of 5.81 for overall customer satisfaction, making it the second best in terms of ease of use (6.17), significantly surpassing its competitors.
PureVPN, with a high satisfaction score (6.4) but low popularity (3.45), manages a VPNScore (5.81) higher than its market competitors. This implies that while PureVPN might not be as widely known, it offers a better overall experience than the more popular VPNs.
Source: VPNRanks
Data Doesn’t Lie: A Spike in Demand
PureVPN is committed to empowering people online – ensuring their digital security and online privacy, while also democratizing access to information. This mission becomes especially critical in regions where internet regulations are tightening their grip.
Our data paints a compelling picture. In 2024, PureVPN witnessed a surge in activity from countries grappling with significant internet censorship. This isn’t a coincidence.
PureVPN reported a remarkable increase in sales, app installs, and web traffic from regions facing severe internet censorship:
- Sales in these areas surged by over 30%, while the rest of the world saw a 6% decline.
- App installs in censored regions grew by 15%, compared to a mere 1.85% elsewhere.
- Web traffic from these regions skyrocketed by an astounding 212%, overshadowing the 1.16% increase in countries without internet censorship.
Our internal data paints a clear picture. PureVPN sales in censored regions like Russia, China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia have skyrocketed. This surge in usage reflects the growing importance of VPNs in safeguarding user data and ensuring privacy amidst increasing internet restrictions and surveillance.
This isn’t a random fluctuation – it’s a direct response to intensifying censorship efforts and underscores the growing reliance on PureVPN as a tool for circumventing government-imposed barriers.
Read more: How to bypass censorship with a VPN in 2024
PureVPN’s Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
At PureVPN, customer satisfaction remains our top priority. PureVPN’s dedication to providing a seamless and secure online experience is reinforced by its high satisfaction scores in the VPNScore evaluations and a boost in sales.
Despite intense competition, PureVPN distinguishes itself with a VPNScore that places it among the top contenders in user satisfaction, surpassing industry giants with its commitment to quality service and support.
Source: VPNRanks
Case Studies: VPN Usage
In today’s interconnected world, the battle for online freedom intensifies as governments implement stricter internet regulations. PureVPN’s recent data highlights a significant increase in sales, app installs, and web traffic from countries with stringent internet censorship.
This section delves into country-specific insights, highlighting how internet users in various regions are navigating through censorship barriers with the aid of VPNs.
Russia’s Crackdown
Take Russia, for example. Since late February 2022, Russia’s internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, has issued orders and implemented federal laws prohibiting dissent and spreading knowingly false information about the Russian military.
This crackdown has significantly impacted access to news sources like BBC and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Roskomnadzor justifies these actions by claiming discrimination against Russian news media.
Moreover, the lower house of Parliament, the State Duma, passed the law criminalizing “false information” about the armed forces.
In 2023, the government introduced laws that oblige telecommunications operators to work more closely with the Federal Security Service (FSB). They also implemented fines for operators that refuse to install the Technical Measures to Combat Threats (TSPU) system. This system blocks websites and facilitates surveillance.
Currently, the popular Russian social network namely VKontakte remains accessible, but the information flow is under government control. The increase in app installs and sales clearly highlights that citizens are seeking alternative pathways to access information.
China’s Digital Lockdown
China’s internet censorship is no secret. Their Great Firewall is officially known as the Golden Shield Project. This elaborate system hinders access to foreign websites and monitors online activity along with using social credit systems to control certain behaviors.
China’s internet censorship program stands as the most sophisticated and far-reaching in the world. In late 2022, authorities took it a step further, cracking down on online discussions of anti-government protests. This included deleting posts, imposing limits on search capabilities, and erasing calls for the release of detained demonstrators.
The Cyberspace Administration of China mandated that digital platforms increase their content moderation to erase any mentions of tools that might allow users to avoid internet censorship.
Moreover, according to Freedom House, China is ranked worst when it comes to internet censorship. The Chinese government reportedly controls the flow of information and censors content that seems harmful to social stability such as violence or religious extremism.
Due to all these factors, PureVPN witnessed a corresponding rise in subscriptions from China, indicating a growing demand for a secure and private way to communicate.
Pakistan’s Censorship Maze
Pakistan’s internet landscape is riddled with arbitrary content restrictions. The authorities routinely block websites and social media accounts.
In 2022, amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) criminalized online defamation of authorities, including the military and judiciary. According to Freedom House, Pakistani authorities routinely use internet shutdowns, platform blocking, and arrests along with harsh convictions to suppress online freedom of speech.
Moreover, allegedly, the government has access to censorship equipment, making Pakistan among the few countries that have website blocking and filtering equipment. Moreover, in May 2023, the government restricted access to the internet and blocked social media platforms for four days.
This lack of online freedom has made VPNs an essential tool for Pakistani citizens to circumvent these barriers and engage in free expression.
Saudi Arabia’s Censorship Situation
Saudi Arabia tightly controls internet access, filtering content deemed culturally, religiously, or politically inappropriate.
In 2022, the Ministry of Commerce blocked social media accounts impersonating brands, while two women received long prison sentences for peaceful online activities. VPNs are increasingly used by Saudi citizens to evade censorship and maintain access to diverse viewpoints.
In 2023, the government blocked streaming platforms such as Netflix and YouTube and requested supposedly inappropriate content to be removed. It also threatened legal action if the platforms refused to comply with the requests.
PureVPN: Empowering Users in the Digital Age
As governments worldwide tighten internet regulations, VPNs like PureVPN continue to play a pivotal role in empowering users to reclaim their online privacy and access global content.
The 30% sales and 15% app installs increase in regions with internet censorship is a powerful testament to the growing need for online privacy and access to information. As the data shows, the fight for internet freedom is far from over, but with the help of VPNs, users around the world continue to push back the digital walls created by their governments.
If you live in a country with internet regulations, you’re not alone. PureVPN is here to help you reclaim your online freedom. With our strong encryption protocols and a global network of servers, you can browse the web securely and privately, accessing the information you desire without limitations.
Stay informed and empowered with PureVPN. For more insights on internet freedom and privacy, visit PureVPN Blog and discover how VPNs are shaping the future of online security and accessibility.
Read more: Don’t let internet censorship hold you back: Using PureVPN is very easy for online freedom