The use of VPNs increases in Mauritius ahead of the elections due to the suspension of social media.
Proton VPN has recorded a 16,000% increase in its usage so far, and its growth is accelerating.
In Mauritius, a large number of users have begun turning to VPN applications following the imposition of a social media shutdown by authorities, just weeks before the general elections. Since November 1, 2024, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok have been inaccessible, and this situation is expected to persist until November 11, the day after the voting. As a result of this restriction, users are looking for ways to bypass the blocking to continue accessing those services.
David Peterson, General Manager of Proton VPN, reported that since the start of the ban, there has been a significant increase in the download of their application, reaching a 16,000% rise in usage. Other figures indicate that the demand for VPNs in the country has increased by 16,107% compared to the average of the previous 28 days. Authorities imposed this measure citing the need to prevent the spread of content that could compromise national security and public safety.
This shutdown comes amid a phone tapping scandal in which sensitive conversations involving political figures, security forces, lawyers, and journalists have been leaked. Digital rights organizations have strongly condemned the Mauritian government's actions, as this is the first time it has imposed such an internet shutdown, calling for an end to this attack on freedom of expression and privacy.
VPNs, which stands for "Virtual Private Networks," are security tools designed to anonymize internet browsing by encrypting connections and hiding the user's IP address. This allows users in Mauritius, despite the blockage, to connect to VPN servers located outside the country to continue using social media platforms. Peterson mentioned that they have enabled free election servers in Mauritius as part of their election support initiative, which will remain operational as long as necessary to bypass censorship.
In another context, in Mozambique, social media blockages have also been reported prior to the elections, leading to an 8,790% increase in VPN registrations in that country. In response to this situation, the use of VPN applications has surged in both countries as a response to the imposed restrictions and as a crucial tool for accessing truthful information during a critical electoral period.
