All over the world, VPN usage is surging, and there are more people using a VPN service than ever. This is not just in countries that have government-enforced internet censorship, or internet restrictions. It is becoming way more of a standard to use VPNs wherever you are because of the numerous benefits. Primarily, it allows you to access geographically specific content, download torrents anonymously, and tap into a multitude of servers across many countries and continents.
Where are VPNs Accessed?
In 2018, Statista ran a study that concluded that approximately “26 per cent of global online users utilised a VPN or proxy server to access the internet“. So just within this period, over a quarter of people who used the internet also used a VPN.
The study also concluded that people located in the Asia Pacific were most likely to use a VPN. It seemed that 30 per cent of people using the internet in the Asia Pacific also used a VPN. This is undoubtedly a product of the increased censorship enforced across China, Malaysia, and other countries in the area.
How are VPNs Used?
There are numerous studies and statistics demonstrating the extreme proliferation of VPN use with regularity. Out of the quarter of people who have used a VPN in the last month, 35 per cent used a VPN on their desktop daily and 42 per cent used a VPN on their mobile device every single day.
Usage frequency was highest for those between the ages of 16-24, who comprised 35 per cent of total VPN users. Those between 25-34 comprised a close second, at 33 per cent. Mainly, those who use VPNs regularly and frequently are millennials, and under 35.
Why are VPNs Used?
A considerable percentage of people, especially those in North America and other regions where the government does not enforce censorship, use VPNs to access better entertainment content. It allows people to access and download a different array of movies, shows, music, games, and media content that may only be available in certain geographic regions. Many people who game also use VPNs to access games that become available in other areas before they become available in their own region.
Several studies show that accessing media and entertainment is by far the most significant motivator for consistently using VPNs. However, it is rivalled by people who live in countries with censorship and limited browsing options to access news and social media.
In today’s day and age, a very large percentage of news is spread via social media. However, in countries with higher levels of censorship, social media, and news sites outside of those run by the government are not available. This is where the VPN and anonymous browsing come in. People under censoring government can use the internet anonymously and freely without being afraid of the consequences to get in touch with global and even local news.
Whether using a VPN for entertainment, social connection, downloads, or to circumvent censorship, VPNs are becoming increasingly more accessible and available. With increased usage and normalcy of usage, they are always improving their function and proliferation.
By Dhandayuthapani V
