Tatiana Cesso
As Brazil faces a significant shift in its digital landscape, the recent decision by X (formerly Twitter) to close its offices in the country on August 17 has triggered a wave of concern among users. The shutdown, which stems from a prolonged dispute over censorship, has led many Brazilians to seek out VPN services to safeguard their online activities and access the platform.
For travelers, having a reliable VPN is crucial for maintaining online security and privacy. When away from your home network, using public Wi-Fi in places like airports, hotels, or coffee shops can expose your personal information to potential threats. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic, which helps protect your data from theft and unauthorized access. Moreover, a VPN allows you to bypass regional restrictions and access content that may be limited based on your location.
In Brazil, this need for a VPN has become particularly pressing. Reports indicate that up to 30 VPN applications, including popular services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, have suddenly disappeared from the Apple App Store. Simon Migliano, Head of Research at Top10VPN, suggests that while technical issues could be the cause, there is speculation about potential government influence.
Proton VPN, a widely used free service, has acknowledged the issue and indicated it may be related to a bug or possible covert censorship. Since the announcement of X’s departure, Proton VPN has seen a remarkable 580% increase in signups. Despite these challenges, other VPN providers have assured users that their apps remain available for download in Brazil.
Travelers and residents in Brazil should stay informed and be prepared with alternative methods to ensure their online privacy and access to digital services. Apps such as Windscribe, Private Internet Access (PIA), and Mullvad are still available and offer secure options for maintaining connectivity and privacy.
Source: TechRadar
