Iraq Telegram ban triggers 1,200% VPN surge — but experts issue a stark security warning | Tech Radar

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Iraq Telegram ban triggers 1,200% VPN surge — but experts issue a stark security warning

Proton warns residents that downloading the wrong VPN app could put their data in danger

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Proton VPN has recorded a 1,200% increase in sign-ups from Iraq

This comes as Iraq blocked the messaging app Telegram in major cities

Proton warns against sketchy free VPNs that may endanger users' data

A sweeping ban on the popular messaging app Telegram across Iraq has sent citizens scrambling for digital workarounds, resulting in a massive 1,200% surge in sign-ups for one of the best VPN apps on the market.

General Manager of Proton VPN, David Peterson, first shared details on X about the spike in usage of the free VPN service starting from Friday (April 3). "Proton VPN usage in Iraq is now at an all-time high and continues to climb rapidly," wrote Peterson on Monday.

Speaking directly to Tech Radar on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Proton VPN confirmed that usage "continues to rise." Google Trends data also highlights a sharp surge in searches for the term 'VPN' originating from Iraq.

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"This surge is likely linked to the complete blocking of Telegram across the country, which comes amid heightened tensions between the Iraqi government and various non-state actors," Proton told Tech Radar.

According to local reports from Shafaq News, the Telegram outage has hit major Iraqi cities hard, though the Kurdistan region currently remains unaffected. The blackout is reportedly a deliberate effort by the Iraqi government to curb the activity of armed groups operating within the country.

By masking a user's real IP address and routing their internet traffic through a secure server in another country, a virtual private network (VPN) easily bypasses these local network blocks. Not all VPNs are made equal, though, meaning that quality matters over a quick, free fix.

Security experts at Proton are deeply concerned about exactly which services citizens are choosing to install on their devices.

"For people in Iraq seeking to bypass the ongoing Telegram ban, we urge attention when downloading a VPN," Proton told Tech Radar, adding that some users in Iraq are reportedly failing to verify the legitimacy of the services they install.

App stores are flooded with unsecure, free VPNs promising unrestricted internet access. But these applications often come with a severe hidden cost.

"At times like these, opportunistic VPN providers often see a surge in downloads from users who may be unfamiliar with which services are safe," said Proton. "In Iraq, we are seeing that many of the most frequently downloaded VPNs are linked to entities based in China, often with deliberately obscured ownership, or to providers that monetize user data through third-party sales."

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This is not an isolated incident for the Swiss-based provider. Proton regularly monitors global censorship events, having previously noted massive download spikes across 62 countries during times of political unrest. To keep up with demand in restricted regions, Proton recently expanded its server network to offer more connection options.

Anyone trying to bypass the blockade should stick to verified, independently audited providers rather than risking their personal data on an unknown application. "As always, it’s important to carefully assess the credentials and trustworthiness of any VPN before downloading," said Proton.

Beyond Proton VPN Free, other secure freebies include Windscribe Free, Privado VPN Free, and Amnezia VPN Free.

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Rene Millman is a seasoned technology journalist whose work has appeared in The Guardian, the Financial Times, Computer Weekly, and IT Pro. With over two decades of experience as a reporter and editor, he specializes in making complex topics like cybersecurity, VPNs, and enterprise software accessible and engaging.

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• Iraq Telegram ban triggers 1,200% VPN surge — but experts issue a stark security warning