India has become the world's leading user of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), surpassing even China, according to the latest report by Top10VPN. While VPNs are widely celebrated for enhancing online privacy and bypassing content restrictions, their misuse is raising alarms worldwide—especially with reports from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) revealing their involvement in terrorist financing and other illegal activities.

So what exactly is a VPN, how does it function, and why is India leading this global surge? Let’s explore the benefits, dangers, and key players in the booming VPN industry.

What Is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a digital security tool that creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server. This tunnel masks your IP address and online activity, keeping your data safe from hackers, advertisers, and even internet service providers (ISPs). VPNs are especially helpful when using public Wi-Fi, where the risk of data theft is higher.

Through this encryption, VPNs allow users to:

• Protect sensitive information from cyber snoopers

• Access content restricted in their region

• Maintain anonymity by masking their digital identity

How Does a VPN Work?

When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is rerouted through a remote server located in a different city or country. This process does two things:

1. Encrypts your data, making it unreadable to outsiders.

2. Conceals your location and identity, showing the VPN server’s IP instead of your own.

Even your ISP cannot see what websites you’re visiting or what information you’re sending. This makes VPNs a favorite among users who prioritize digital freedom and security.

The Dark Side: How VPNs Are Being Misused

However, VPNs aren’t always used for ethical reasons. According to FATF, terrorist organizations and cybercriminals are exploiting VPNs to move illicit funds, access the dark web, and engage in illegal activities anonymously.

Because VPNs effectively hide users' identities and locations, it becomes incredibly difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace transactions or monitor activities. These encrypted connections are being leveraged for:

• Terror funding

• Money laundering

• Viewing or distributing banned content

• Organizing cyberattacks

The double-edged nature of VPNs means they can serve both legitimate and dangerous purposes.

India Tops Global VPN Usage in 2025

According to Top10VPN, India has emerged as the largest market for VPN users in 2025, with over 403 million users—far ahead of China (319 million) and Indonesia (134 million).

Top 10 VPN-Using Countries in 2025 (in millions):

India's surge is attributed to increasing internet surveillance concerns, content restrictions, and growing awareness of online privacy.

Who Are the Top VPN Providers?

The growing demand for VPN services has led to stiff competition among service providers. Based on performance, speed, and security features, the top three VPNs in 2025 are:

1. ExpressVPN – Known for ultra-fast servers and strong privacy protocols

2. NordVPN – Offers advanced security features and malware protection

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) – Popular for customizable security settings

Other notable providers include:

• Surfshark

• IPVanish

• ProtonVPN

• CyberGhost

• PrivateVPN

• Hide.me

• Windscribe

What Are the Risks of Using a VPN?

While VPNs offer significant benefits, they are not risk-free. Here are a few concerns users should keep in mind:

• Data Logging: Not all VPNs are truly "no-log". Free or lesser-known services may track your data.

• Illegal Use: Using VPNs to access illegal content or commit crimes can lead to prosecution.

• False Sense of Security: VPNs secure data transfer but don’t protect against malware or phishing attacks.

• Slower Internet Speeds: Routing traffic through remote servers can reduce speed.

Final Thoughts

VPNs have become an essential digital tool in an age of increasing surveillance and cyber threats. India's rise to the top of the global VPN usage chart reflects the growing demand for online privacy and unrestricted access. However, as highlighted by FATF, it's equally important to understand that VPNs can also be misused for unlawful purposes.

As with any powerful technology, responsible usage is key. Whether you're safeguarding your privacy or bypassing digital borders, ensure you're choosing a reliable provider and using VPNs for legitimate purposes.