Iran’s VPN Market
Iran's VPN Market
Introduction to Iran’s VPN Market
The state of internet filtering in Iran has seen a significant increase over recent months. Despite the numerous challenges this presents, the government seems to have little desire to ease these restrictions in Iran’s VPN market, according to local media this month.
The result? A booming market for VPN (Virtual Private Network) services and increased revenues from internet data packages. Unfortunately, the burden of these costs falls mostly on the general public.
The VPN Market in Iran
Cybersecurity expert Mehdi Moslehi discusses the current state of VPN use in Iran, explaining how a growing industry is profiting from restrictive internet regulations.
According to Moslehi, the market for VPNs reached a staggering 500 billion tomans last year, a ten-fold increase from the 50 billion tomans of previous years. This growth is driving more and more companies to invest in VPN services.
“VPN is a secure communication platform, which is often not used for bypassing internet censorship. However, in our country, many people use it for this purpose. An official of the Communications Regulatory Authority stated that around 80% of the 80 million internet users in Iran use VPNs. This indicates the large scale of internet consumption and the expenses transferred to those involved in the VPN business.”
The Dangers of Unsecure VPNs in Tehran
Those intending to infiltrate Iran's internet networks create these VPNs. Once the app is installed, our phones become zombies.
However, using VPNs doesn’t come without its risks. Particularly, the use of free and unsecured VPNs can create vulnerabilities. “These VPNs are not designed to serve the people,” warns Moslehi.
“Those intending to infiltrate Iran’s internet networks create these VPNs. Once the app is installed, our phones become zombies. At their will and without our knowledge, they can execute malicious actions via our phones. Even blocking access to websites is done this way.”
Iran’s VPN Market, Tricky Times
As for a solution to the filtering crisis in Iran, Moslehi believes that regulation of the VPN market is key. “Unfortunately, the VPN market is currently unregulated. If a site or a company officially sells VPNs, they can filter that site, but they haven’t considered the user’s perspective yet.”
He argues against the government’s plan to criminalize VPN usage, suggesting that instead of introducing more restrictions, cooperation with various app companies should be sought to lift restrictions on popular apps.
In conclusion, Moslehi contends that the current trajectory in the filtering arena is merely a revenue-generation path for some at the expense of the people.
In the digital world, Internet freedom is critical. However, in certain countries like Iran, online censorship and content restrictions can make accessing the Internet freely a challenge. A popular solution to overcome this is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which can help bypass restrictions and maintain user privacy. However, the effectiveness of VPNs can vary, as governments continually update their censorship techniques.
Which to choose in Iran’s VPN Market?
As of 2023, here’s an update on the VPNs that are reportedly working in Tehran, based on recent discussions on Reddit and user contributions:
CovermeVPN has received positive reviews from users in Iran. It offers a range of security features that make it a top choice for those seeking to bypass Internet restrictions. Some of these features include fast speeds, a no-logs policy, P2P sharing, a static IP service, a kill switch, 100% encryption, and port forwarding. Additionally, CovermeVPN provides highly secure protocols like IKEV2/L2TP/OVPN/IPSEC, excellent security features, and IP servers in demanding locations, all at affordable pricing1.
ProtonVPN is another VPN mentioned in the context of Iran. It’s worth noting that some users have reported issues with this VPN recently. ProtonVPN typically works with its Stealth protocol, which is available on Android, iOS, and MacOS. However, some users have reported that the VPN stopped working, even with the Stealth protocol23.
Other VPNs that work in Iran
Windscribe is another VPN reported to be functioning in Iran. This information is based on user reports, and it’s always a good idea to check the latest information for the most current status.
Another VPN reported to work in Iran is Psiphon. This information is also based on user statements and may be subject to change.
Hotspot Shield is also reported to be operational in Iran, as per user information. It’s always recommended to check the latest status, as this can change due to varying conditions in Iran.
Lastly, Outline VPN is another service reported to be working in Iran. As with the others, please check for the most recent status updates, as the situation can change quickly.
On the other hand, ExpressVPN was reported as not working in Iran. This information is based on recent Reddit discussions and may have changed since the report4.
In the vast and intricate world of the Internet, the concept of privacy has become increasingly significant. With concerns about data privacy, online surveillance, and cyber threats on the rise, it’s critical to understand the tools available to safeguard your online activity. One of these tools is a Virtual Private Network, more commonly known as a VPN.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a service that creates a secure connection between your device and the Internet. It does so by routing your connection through a VPN server, effectively masking your IP address and making your online actions much harder to trace.
How Does a VPN Work?
When you connect to a VPN, your device establishes a secure connection to a server operated by the VPN service. All your Internet traffic is routed through this encrypted tunnel, keeping your data secure from prying eyes.
At the same time, your IP address, which can reveal your location and potentially other information about you, is replaced with an IP address from the VPN server. This process can make it appear as if you’re browsing from a different location, which can help you access content that might be restricted in your actual location.
Why Use a VPN?
There are several compelling reasons to use a VPN:
- Privacy: A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, making your online activities private. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often not secure and can expose your data to potential threats.
- Security: By encrypting your connection, a VPN adds an extra layer of security that helps protect your data from cyber threats, such as hackers and malware.
- Access to Geo-Restricted Content: A VPN allows you to appear as though you’re browsing from a different location, enabling you to access content that may be geo-restricted or censored in your actual location.
- Avoidance of Throttling: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) slow down certain types of traffic, like video streaming. A VPN can help avoid this throttling since your ISP can’t see what kind of content you’re accessing.
Choosing the Right VPN
With many VPN services available, it’s essential to choose one that fits your needs and maintains a strong commitment to privacy and security. Look for a VPN that uses strong encryption, has a clear privacy policy, doesn’t keep logs of your activity, and has good reviews from trusted sources.
Remember, a VPN is a powerful tool in the quest for online privacy and freedom. Whether you’re seeking to protect sensitive data, access geo-restricted content, or simply enjoy a more open Internet, a VPN can provide the solution.
Please note that the situation with VPNs in Iran can change rapidly due to government rules and efforts to block VPN services. For the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Stay tuned for more updates on VPN usage in Iran as we continue to monitor the situation and provide the latest insights to help you navigate the digital landscape in Iran
