TITLE: Afghanistan VPN Usage Soars 35,000% Amid Social Media Ban
META_DESCRIPTION: Afghanistan’s social media restrictions triggered a 35,000% VPN usage surge as citizens seek online access. Learn how internet censorship drives demand.
EXCERPT: Following government-imposed social media restrictions, Afghanistan has witnessed a staggering 35,000% increase in VPN usage. The ban affects platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X as authorities implement content controls across the country’s internet infrastructure.
Afghanistan’s social media restrictions trigger VPN surge
Afghanistan has experienced a dramatic 35,000% increase in VPN usage following government-imposed restrictions on popular social media platforms. The unprecedented spike occurred between October 6-7, 2025, according to data from Proton VPN Observatory, highlighting citizens’ desperate attempts to maintain online access amid growing internet censorship.
Complete internet shutdown precedes social media ban
The social media restrictions followed a total internet shutdown that paralyzed Afghanistan between September 29 and October 1, 2025. During this period, even VPN technology proved ineffective against the complete disconnection. David Peterson, Proton VPN General Manager, emphasized that “during most internet restriction events, Proton VPN users are still able to tunnel through to the outside world. But not when the internet is totally unplugged.”
Multiple platforms affected by content controls
The restrictions specifically target popular social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X. BBC reports confirm that a Taliban government source acknowledged “some sort of controls have been applied to restrict certain types of content.” The source indicated the measures would affect the entire nation while hoping to avoid another complete internet shutdown.
Ongoing connectivity challenges across regions
Despite internet access returning to most areas on October 1, monitoring organization NetBlocks reported continued disruptions in some regions until October 8. The organization also confirmed that Snapchat joined the list of restricted platforms, noting social media was “restricted on multiple providers.” This pattern continues a troubling trend – Afghanistan recorded 24 separate internet restriction cases during the first half of 2025 alone.
Global condemnation of censorship measures
Proton VPN publicly condemned the restrictions, stating on social media that “access has been cut off” and reaffirming that “we stand against acts like this and believe that both privacy & freedom of speech are human rights.” The Taliban government has justified the measures as necessary for “preventing immoral acts,” though critics argue they represent systematic erosion of digital rights for millions of Afghan citizens.
