Bulgaria experienced a significant surge in VPN traffic this week as the country plunged deeper into political crisis. Following the resignation of President Rumen Radev on January 19, 2026, the first such resignation in Bulgaria's post-communist history. Our data shows citizens increasingly turning to privacy tools amid mass protests and governmental instability.

While there have been no confirmed reports of widespread internet blackouts, the spike suggests growing public anxiety over digital privacy, potential information controls, or simply a precautionary reaction to the volatile environment.

Similar restrictions could happen again. Anywhere, anytime.

Internal App telemetry

Our anonymized data recorded a 56% increase in VPN traffic from Bulgaria compared to the monthly average.

• Timeline: The surge began climbing on January 19, coinciding with President Radev's televised resignation address. Traffic remained elevated and volatile through January 22, mirroring the ongoing political uncertainty.
• Analysis: Unlike a sharp "blockage spike" (where users rush to bypass a specific ban), this sustained increase reflects a "safety seeking" behavior pattern common during civil unrest, where citizens prioritize encrypted communication channels.

Independent context

Reports confirm that tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Sofia and other cities since early December 2025, opposing government budget plans and alleged corruption. While the internet remains open, the political vacuum created by the government's resignation in December and the President's departure in January has created a highly unpredictable environment.

Chain of events

• December 2025: Mass protests erupted against a proposed budget and alleged government corruption, leading to violent clashes in Sofia. The government led by Prime Minister Zhelyazkov resigned on Dec 11.
• Jan 19, 2026: President Rumen Radev announced his resignation in a televised address, stating he would form a new political movement to "safeguard the state." This move is unprecedented in modern Bulgarian history.
• Jan 20–22, 2026: As Radev prepared to submit his resignation to the Constitutional Court, political tensions remained high. Speculation about snap elections (the eighth in four years) and potential new regulations on digital content contributed to the atmosphere of uncertainty.

Digital Rights Context

Bulgaria has faced criticism for delayed implementation of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) and issues with content moderation transparency. In volatile political climates, citizens often fear that these regulatory gaps could be exploited to suppress dissent or restrict access to information, driving them toward VPNs as a digital safety net.

Your Way Around It: VPN Super Unlimited Proxy

Here's how you stay connected, no matter what:

How to stay connected in Bulgaria

To secure your connection and protect your privacy immediately, you can download our VPN for any device.

Step 1: Download

• iOS: App Store → Search "Super Unlimited Proxy"
• Android: Google Play → Search "Super Unlimited Proxy"

Step 2: Install & Open

• Tap "Get Started"
• Allow VPN permissions (this protects you)

Step 3: Connect

• Tap the big connect button
• Wait for the green shield‍
• You're secure. Your internet traffic is now encrypted, protecting your privacy during this period of instability

Got Blocked? Help Track It

If you are in Bulgaria and notice any new restrictions on websites or apps:

• Submit anonymous evidence: Share screenshots of error messages.
• Run a test: Use OONI Probe to check if specific sites are being tampered with on your network.

Together, censorship can be mapped and fought.