Turkey Blocks Social Media Platforms as VPN Usage Surges
Published
- Platform Shutdown: X, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp blocked amid political tensions in Istanbul.
- VPN Spike: Proton VPN usage increased over 500% hourly as citizens sought to bypass social media restrictions.
- Recurring Issue: This marks Turkey’s 18th internet restriction since 2015, highlighting ongoing digital access challenges.
Turkey again blocks access to major social media platforms, including X, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp, starting the evening of Sunday, September 7, 2025. The move comes as political tensions escalate following calls for rallies by the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP).
Widespread Blocks and Targeted Networks
According to internet watchdog NetBlocks, the disruptions specifically affected networks in Istanbul. Isik Mater, Director of Research at NetBlocks, confirmed that access remains restricted in the city. The blocks coincided with police efforts to contain gatherings near the CHP headquarters in Istanbul.
Citizens quickly responded by turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) to regain access. Proton VPN reported a spike in signups of over 500% on an hourly basis during Sunday night as users sought to bypass restrictions.
VPNs as a Tool to Circumvent Blocks
A Proton VPN spokesperson advised users to enable its Stealth protocol and alternative routing options for better chances of accessing blocked platforms. They also recommended downloading VPN apps through official app stores or, on desktop, via Proton’s GitHub page if the main website is inaccessible.
Turkey has seen similar spikes in VPN usage in the past. Proton VPN recorded:
- A 1,100% spike in March 2025 during a 42-hour social media shutdown.
- 1,400% and 4,500% increases in October and August 2024, respectively.
- A 15,000% spike in February 2023 following a temporary Twitter block after an earthquake.
Despite Proton VPN and other providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN being officially restricted in Turkey, users continue to find ways to access blocked services.
Social Media Blocks in Turkey: A Recurring Trend
According to Surfshark, this latest block marks Turkey’s 18th internet restriction since 2015. These interruptions repeatedly affect platforms like X, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp, prompting citizens to rely on VPNs to maintain online connectivity.
The repeated blocks highlight ongoing challenges for digital access in Turkey and underscore the continued role of VPNs in helping users navigate online restrictions.
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