The situation with internet restrictions in Cameroon — on one hand, a sharp limitation of access to information during post-election protests; on the other — an explosive rise in demand for protection tools such as VPNs. Below is a detailed analysis: facts, logic of the events, and why this case matters for the global VPN market.
1. Political background and digital repression
On October 12, 2025, Cameroon held presidential elections in which the incumbent president Paul Biya was re-elected for an eighth term. After the announcement of preliminary results, protests and clashes erupted in the cities of Maroua and Garoua between law enforcement and opposition supporters.
The monitoring organization NetBlocks recorded significant internet disruptions and connectivity issues nationwide starting around October 23, 2025.
At the same time, reports appeared that popular social media and messaging platforms — including TikTok, Telegram, YouTube, and Facebook — began facing access restrictions.
2. Surge in VPN demand
Against the backdrop of digital repression, there was a sharp increase in demand for VPN services: according to multiple reports, Proton VPN registrations in Cameroon jumped by +3,000%.
This demonstrates a direct correlation: when usual communication channels and information access are restricted, users turn to tools for circumvention and privacy protection.
3. Why this matters
VPNs remain legitimate but are becoming increasingly vital. Users facing censorship and surveillance risks seek solutions that allow them to bypass restrictions and maintain confidentiality. For the VPN industry, this means that during crises of digital freedom, demand grows sharply — but so do regulatory risks.
4. Consequences for freedom and the market
Internet and social media restrictions undermine freedom of expression, the right to information, and civic participation. At the same time, users adapt: growing interest in circumvention technologies becomes a kind of “digital resistance” to censorship. For VPN providers, reliability, transparency, and compliance with standards become key competitive advantages.
5. Key takeaways
The events in Cameroon clearly show a pattern: digital censorship → rising VPN demand. In this case, the first serious restrictions began around October 23, 2025. Providers that can offer robust protection, a no-logs policy, transparent infrastructure, and compliance with international standards gain a competitive edge. At the same time, it is essential to balance privacy and legal obligations: VPNs remain legitimate tools of personal security, operating under increasing scrutiny from regulators.
