The population of Russia was also a victim of the state-imposed conflict in Ukraine. The Russian government has taken strong measures when it comes to censorship and has already blocked many social networks and other news sources.
As a direct answer, and to get around all these limitations, smartphone users in Russia have found an alternative. The download and usage of VPNs in the country has skyrocketed, and it is currently the most downloaded app on the App Store and Play Store in Russia.
The use of VPN applications is growing in Russia
Last weekend brought important news for the citizens of Russia. The blocking of social networks and many Western media outlets have resulted in restrictions on the information available and accessible to all.
A practical outcome is now on the horizon, as the search for this information continues. For this, the use of a VPN is mandatory to simulate a new geographical location of the Internet. Its use has now grown to unprecedented levels, particularly in the App Store and Play Store.
Increase downloads on the App Store and Play Store
You The numbers indicate For installation growth of about 1200% since the start of the invasion of Ukraine. On March 1 alone, VPN apps logged nearly half a million downloads in Russia, compared to an average of 10,000 daily downloads last month.
The presented figures are the result of the blocking of access to various social networks and news sites by the local communications regulator Roskomnadzor. This measure was presented as necessary to prevent the spread of false news about the situation in Ukraine.
The demand for information about Ukraine is growing
These values must now be reduced to a minimum, as the Google and Apple App Stores can no longer be accessed. However, from what many reports indicate, users in Russia can still access both the App Store and Play Store.
This is the normal reaction of users of the App Store and Play Store in Russia. The imposed lockdown has cut off access to news about Ukraine and the rest of the world, something not many mean.
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