VPN provider hide.me has this week launched a bold new out-of-home campaign across London to highlight the importance of maintaining privacy when browsing online.
Referencing the Russian state’s notoriously robust management of any and all internal criticism, hide.me’s billboard explains to the wider public that by using a VPN, they will be able to “Discuss Russian politics online. Without falling out of a window.”
The campaign aims to build awareness of the rights of consumers when using the web and online services, and is inspired by the growing number of suspicious death linked to criticism of the Russian state.
“Our campaign makes reference to Russia, but we could have chosen from a growing list of governments globally that are using people’s freedom’s online as a weapon against them,” hid.me CEO, Sebastian Schaub said.
“We believe internet freedom isn’t a privilege but a fundamental human right. People should have freedom online without having to worry about their safety. That is why the usage of VPNs is growing exponentially globally and why VPNs are also now becoming a target for governments.
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He continued: “The fact is free speech is under threat, and tools like a VPN are becoming a must for consumers. This campaign is about making people aware of how the internet isn’t quite as free as we all think.”
With a creative developed by Edinburgh-based agency Spellcaster, hide.me will be hoping the campaign enables it to recruit new cohorts of users to join its existing global customer base of 25 million.
Hide.me chief marketing officer, Kristijan Janušić added: “Our campaign doesn’t shy away from the fact that online privacy and personal data protection can literally mean the difference between life and death.
“We wanted to bring attention to this topic by addressing delicate situations that some people are interested in and want to be vocal about but don’t feel empowered to speak out.”
