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ProtonVPN has expanded its free server network to include five countries with a history of election tampering and censorship: Syria, Jordan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, and Brazil. Additionally, the company has introduced a credentialless login feature on Android to enhance user privacy and security.
With this, Proton VPN free servers are active in 21 countries amid their electoral process in 2024.
The other countries where the servers are already up and active are Cambodia, Algeria, Chad, Mauritania, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Sudan, Togo, Indonesia, Venezuela, Somaliland, Mauritius, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Senegal, and Pakistan.
The initiative was launched in March, and since then, the servers have played a vital role in enabling access to unrestricted internet.
Furthermore, Proton VPN has also introduced a credential-less login on Android. This feature allows users to connect to Proton VPN without creating an account, making it easier for individuals to bypass censorship and interference. This innovation is particularly significant in developing countries where Android’s market share is substantial.
“Protecting free speech and fighting censorship is a daily battle and this initiative and the launch of credential-less logins on Android is part of our long-term commitment towards advancing freedom online,” David Peterson, General Manager of Proton VPN told Candid.Technology.
Proton VPN’s initiative addresses the threat to democratic practices and free speech. In 2024, more than half of the world’s population is electing their leaders, and an impeded access to information is crucial for the democratic process to work.
Furthermore, there is an alarming trend of internet shutdowns and censorship, underscoring the importance of such efforts.
“Over the past year, VPNs have become an essential tool in combating online censorship, with signups surging during major geopolitical events around the world, be they protestors, contested elections, or government crackdowns,” Peterson said.
This year’s elections already saw massive violations in countries like Senegal and Pakistan, driving a surge in VPN usage as citizens strive to evade government censorship and surveillance.
In 2022, Proton VPN removed its servers from India, citing new surveillance laws.
In April 2024, Proton announced a Dark Web Monitoring tool for scanning the dark web for leaks.
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