Triggered by Telegram curbs, VPN downloads hit 2026 high
NEW DELHI: Restrictions on Telegram triggered the biggest surge in VPN downloads in the country this year, as users sought ways to retain access to the messaging platform and shifted to alternative apps, according to data shared by App Figures, an app intelligence firm.
After the Centre imposed the temporary ban on June 16, downloads of the top 100 VPN apps in India reached 919,000 on June 17, up 76% from the June 9-15 average and 63% higher than the broader June 1-15 baseline. Downloads had already climbed to 645,000 on June 16, making June 17 the strongest day for VPN apps in India since at least the beginning of 2025.
