Afghanistan has witnessed a dramatic spike in VPN usage following government-imposed social media restrictions, with industry reports indicating a staggering 35,000% increase over baseline levels. This surge was recorded between October 6-7, 2025, approximately one week after a nationwide internet shutdown that VPNs were unable to bypass. Data shows this reflects a desperate attempt by millions to circumvent online censorship and reclaim digital freedoms.
Proton VPN, one of the top services, documented this explosive growth through its Proton VPN Observatory, highlighting how citizens are responding to the crackdown on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. According to BBC reports, a Taliban government source confirmed that “some sort of controls have been applied to restrict certain types of content,” affecting the entire country while hoping to avoid another full internet blackout.
The situation underscores a broader trend of digital repression, as experts note similar patterns in regions facing tightened online controls. NetBlocks corroborated that Snapchat and other platforms were restricted across multiple providers, amplifying concerns over freedom of speech. This follows a prior total internet shutdown from September 29 to October 1, 2025, which the government justified as preventing “immoral acts.”
Proton VPN publicly condemned the measures, stating that access was cut off and their tools couldn’t bypass the censorship, reaffirming that privacy and free expression are fundamental human rights. As global attention turns to such crises, according to analysis of tech industry trends, innovations in personal devices and connectivity are becoming increasingly vital. Meanwhile, experts note that integrations like AI-powered shopping tools highlight how digital access shapes everyday life, contrasting sharply with the restrictions faced in Afghanistan.
The ongoing ban serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of internet freedoms, pushing users toward tools like VPNs in record numbers despite the challenges in overcoming government-imposed barriers.