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VPN use is growing like crazy

by on18 May 2017


One in six use one, so no one can see what they are watching


A new report has revealed that VPN usage in the UK has increased with almost one in six people now using one.

According to YouGov's 'Incognito Individual' report, 16 percent of British adults have used either a VPN or proxy server.

This up-tick in users trying a VPN was often the direct result of trying access region-locked content or websites.

Of those surveyed, 48 percent of admitted to using a VPN or a proxy to access content they would otherwise be unable to view.

VPNs are often used by security conscious individuals who are concerned with their privacy and not having their browsing data logged.

YouGov's report found that 44 percent of VPN users utilised such a service for better security and that 37 per cent did so for improved privacy.

Although it was not as popular of a use case, 24 percent of the respondents said that they used a VPN to reduce the number of targeted advertisements they saw while browsing the web.

Another 19 percent of users said that they used a VPN to decrease the amount of spam they received.

YouGov Reports researcher Nasra Aharchic noted that VPNs are certainly a cause for concern for businesses that depend on region locks.

“The number of people using VPN is significant enough to provide a headache to those services which use region-based access.”

As companies crack down on where users can access their content, more people will be inclined to try if not even sign up for a VPN in the future.

Another boost for VPNs will come if the Tory government succeeds in its plans to force those who want to watch porn and other adult content to register at a post office.

Last modified on 18 May 2017
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