Blocks hit multiple platforms
Instagram, TikTok and X stopped working for many users across Azerbaijan’s main internet providers from 12 October. Feeds froze, uploads failed and the apps would not load at all. Outage trackers saw no worldwide problems, and NetBlocks later confirmed the restrictions were local. Authorities have not explained the move, though some users linked it to videos of student protests spreading on the platforms.
School uniform rules spark unrest
New dress code rules that bar clothing conflicting with the “secular nature of education” came into force in early October. Girls wearing the hijab were turned away from schools in Baku, leading to sit-ins and solidarity boycotts. Police arrested dozens after clashes outside schools. Public protests remain rare in the country, and the episode has drawn international attention.
VPN use surges as people seek workarounds
Proton VPN recorded sign-ups from Azerbaijan rising more than 4,000% above normal once the blocks began. The same pattern appeared during earlier social media restrictions in 2020, 2022 and 2023. A VPN lets users connect to servers outside the country, bypassing the local blocks and restoring access to the affected platforms.
Proton’s free option includes anti-censorship tools
The company’s free plan has no data caps or time limits and includes its Stealth protocol, which disguises VPN traffic. Apps are available from the usual app stores and alternative sources if the website itself is unreachable. For UK readers comparing options, our VPN comparison covers plans that work in restricted regions.
