With internet restrictions growing, one of the top VPN services has stepped up its efforts to combat online censorship
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are essential tools for people living under stringent censorship because of their IP spoofing capabilities, which allow them to access otherwise geo-restricted information.
In 2024 alone, Proton VPN saw an increase in usage in 12 countries as users attempted to circumvent government-imposed internet restrictions. However, as their use grows, VPNs have become the next target for authorities. This is why Proton announced three key upgrades aimed at better assisting its subscribers in dealing with the impacts of internet outages.
At the time of writing, Discreet Icon was only available on Proton's Android VPN. Users can customise the app's icon and name to make it look like another unrelated phone application.
According to David Peterson, General Manager of Proton VPN, authoritarian countries are increasingly using technical methods to prevent the usage of VPN services. "Certain countries have even begun demanding citizens hand over their smartphones for physical inspection," he stated.
Security experts recently highlighted how authorities utilised this method to enforce Myanmar's VPN ban. Soldiers have reportedly scanned the phones of random passersby looking for the illegal apps, with some people facing fines of up to 3 million kyats ($1380) or arrest if they cannot pay. The Discreet Icon is a simple approach for Android users to protect themselves in case of a random search.
Windows Stealth
With VPN censorship methods becoming increasingly successful, VPN providers must continue to improve their ability to bypass government control. With this in mind, Proton VPN developed its Stealth VPN technology two years ago. The protocol uses VPN obfuscation techniques to disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, allowing it to avoid sophisticated government censorship measures. While the Stealth protocol was already available in VPN programs for Android, iOS, and Mac, Proton has now introduced the Windows Stealth counterpart.
Servers in critical areas
Proton is also launching additional servers in twelve nations at high risk of censorship and internet shutdown. The team identified these new locations based on Freedom House and Democracy Index rankings. These include Afghanistan, Bahrain, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Yemen.
This increase in network coverage builds on the company's election assistance project, which was launched in March. The idea is to provide a free VPN network with dedicated anti-censorship servers to all users logging in from at-risk countries a week before and after the election.