Surge in VPN Downloads: UAE Records 1.83 Million in 2023
In 2023, UAE residents demonstrated a notable surge in virtual private network (VPN) app downloads, increasing by 1.83 million to a total of 6.1 million, according to the latest update from the Global VPN Adoption Index by Atlas VPN. This propelled the VPN adoption rate in the UAE to 61.7%, marking the second-highest globally after Qatar's 69.87%. The data indicates the percentage of the country's population that downloaded VPN services in 2023.
Globally, the UAE had the highest adoption rate in 2022 after Qatar. The UAE's 2023 VPN application downloads surpassed those of the previous four years, even exceeding the pandemic year's downloads of 6.09 million in 2020. During the pandemic, residents heavily utilized VPNs while adhering to travel and movement restrictions imposed to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
It's important to note that the use of VPNs in the UAE is legal when compliant with government guidelines and regulations outlined by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). However, using VPNs for illegal activities or committing crimes is a serious offense under the UAE Decree Law No (34) of 2021, addressing rumors and cybercrimes. Illegitimate use, such as hiding IP addresses to access blocked websites, calling applications, or gaming apps, can result in penalties including imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh2 million, as per Article 10 of the UAE Cyber Law.
Atlas VPN's ranking, covering 86 countries from 2020 to 2023, evaluated VPN usage, with penetration rates calculated by dividing VPN downloads by the country's population. Download data was extracted from Google Play and Apple App Store using Sensor Tower and AppTweak services, encompassing the 45 largest VPN providers.
Nord Security highlighted that residents in the UAE and other Gulf countries commonly download VPNs to access restricted content. The use of VPNs is prevalent among Gulf residents for audio-video calls through popular apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Facetime, Discord, and IMO, as well as dating apps.
Top 10 countries with the highest VPN adoption in 2023 include Qatar, UAE, Singapore, Oman, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey, France, and Australia. Conversely, the top 10 countries with the least VPN adoption in 2023 include South Africa, Japan, Kenya, Thailand, Peru, Tunisia, Egypt, India, Mexico, and Hungary.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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