[Survey] Canadians and the use of VPNs: insights
In recent years, the use of VPNs (Virtual Private Network) has widely spread throughout the world. Through a survey conducted among 1260 Canadians from all across the country, we asked internet users about their habits in relation with the use of VPNs.
- More than 1 out of 10 Canadians use a VPN at least once a week.
- Securing a wifi connection is the #1 reason for using a VPN in Canada.
- Among Canadian VPN users, 47.3% say they use it all the time.
- In Canada, 43% of VPN usage is for business purposes.
- In Canada, 68.4% of VPN users pay a subscription for it.
More than 1 out of 10 Canadians use a VPN at least once a week
Although the origins of the VPN go back to the early 2000s, its popularity has mostly developed over the last five years. So where are we in terms of VPN use in Canadian? As of March 2023, only 10.3% of our respondents to our survey indicated that they regularly use a VPN, a sign that for the moment it is still a rather marginal solution among the Canadian population.
Securing a wifi connection is the #1 reason for using a VPN in Canada
We wanted to know the reasons why Canadian Internet users use a VPN rather than a "classic" connection. It seems that the lack of security offered by the latter is mainly to blame. It appears from the collected answers that the main reason for using a VPN in Canada is:
- The desire to secure a wifi connection for 68% of our respondents.
- For 36.8% of respondents, the desire to access content available in another country (a television that broadcasts sports programs exclusively, for example)
- The desire to hide an IP address, for 31.5% of the participants in the survey
- For 26.3% of our respondents, the desire to bypass the censorship of a content that is blocked from Canada.
Good to know
Tik Tok banned from the Canadian government phones
Although the word "censorship" seems to refer to ancient times, there are still examples of censorship around us today. The recent announcement of the Canadian government to ban Tik Tok from the phones of its members is an illustration. That's why the use of VPNs can tend to multiply among some Internet users who don't want to be limited in their content consultation.
Among Canadian VPN users, 47.3% say they use it all the time
Having a VPN does not mean that you have to use it all the time. Actually, the frequency of use of a VPN depends above all on the use that is made of it. The answers collected in our survey show that:
- 47.3% of Canadian VPN users say they use it all the time
- On the other hand, 15.7% say they only use it once or twice a week, i.e. a moderate use
- 15.7% of our respondents say they use their VPN 3 to 6 times a week, and another 16% more than 6 times a week.
In Canada, 43% of VPN usage is for business purposes
One might think that the use of a VPN is mostly for personal use, to access leisure or entertainment content. The answers collected in our survey show that this is not so obvious. Indeed, even if 57% of our respondents claim to use a VPN for private purposes, 43% of them still indicate that they use this type of network for professional purposes.
In Canada, 68.4% of VPN users pay a subscription for it
The VPN is a solution that is more and more popular among Canadians. In fact, many Internet users are willing to subscribe to a paid subscription to have access to this type of network. This is the case for 68.2% of our respondents, while only 31.6% of them say they use a free (and therefore limited) version of VPN.
Good to know
In Canada, monthly subscription prices for a VPN go from $2.6 to more than $10, depending on the options included and the extent of the network.
Methodology
In addition to its expert editorial line around insurance and financial products, HelloSafe explores broader topics relating to global consumption in Canada and around the world. The aim is to decipher certain complex subjects for consumers and to provide everyone with the latest information. It is within this framework that HelloSafe regularly carries out studies on trends relating to current personal finance in Canada.
This document was elaborated on the basis of a survey conducted between March 1st and 20th, 2023 among 1260 Canadian people all living in Canada via the HelloSafe Canada platform, on a representative sample of the Canadian society.
About HelloSafe Canada
HelloSafe is an insurtech specialist in travel insurance on the Canadian market. Using proprietary technology, we provide access to the best travel insurance solutions and expert advice via a single, anonymous platform. Our team supports thousands of travellers every month with dedicated products, continuously updated content and innovative digital tools.
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Alexandre Desoutter
Head of PR
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